/ ˈpɒpjələ(r); NAmE ˈpɑːp-/ adjective
1.
popular (with sb) liked or enjoyed by a large number of people :
a hugely / immensely popular singer
This is one of our most popular designs.
Skiing has become very popular recently.
These policies are unlikely to prove popular with middle-class voters.
I'm not very popular with my parents (= they are annoyed with me) at the moment.
( ironic )
'Our dog got into the neighbour's garden again!' 'You'll be popular.'
OPP unpopular
2.
[ only before noun ] (sometimes disapproving ) suited to the taste and knowledge of ordinary people :
popular music / culture / fiction
the popular press
3.
[ only before noun ] ( of ideas, beliefs and opinions ) shared by a large number of people :
a popular misconception
Contrary to popular belief , women cause fewer road accidents than men.
Popular opinion was divided on the issue.
By popular demand , the tour has been extended by two weeks.
4.
[ only before noun ] connected with the ordinary people of a country :
The party still has widespread popular support.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense prevalent among the general public ): from Latin popularis , from populus people. Sense 1 dates from the early 17th cent.