Definition of FAMOUS (original) (raw)
1
a
: widely known
a restaurant famous for its French cuisine
b
: honored for achievement
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for famous
renowned implies more glory and acclamation.
one of the most renowned figures in sports history
celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.
the most celebrated beauty of her day
noted suggests well-deserved public attention.
notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.
distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.
a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize
eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.
the country's most eminent writers
illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.
Examples of famous in a Sentence
a book about some of the most famous people of the last century the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shoot itself is meticulously reconstructed—featuring a remarkable turn by Matt Dillon as Schneider’s significantly more famous costar and scene partner, Marlon Brando—in order to contextualize the private and public fallout from Schneider’s equally iconic and traumatizing breakout performance. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025 That’s a famous pool in Chicago and Olympics history. —
Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 Jagger was her most famous lover, but other men in her life included Richards, David Bowie and early pop star Gene Pitney. —
Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025 Kirke uses self-deprecation and tenderness to reminisce in her writing on the ways her childhood shaped her and her famous sisters (Jemima became an actress best known for her role on Girls; Domino is a singer turned doula and is married to actor Penn Badgley). —
Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for famous
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin famosus, from fama fame
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of famous was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near famous
Cite this Entry
“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/famous. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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