famous

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈfeɪməs/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/ˈfeɪməs/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(fāməs)


WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
fa•mous /ˈfeɪməs/USA pronunciation   adj. 
  1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature;
    celebrated:autographs of some of the famous people.
  2. Informal Termsfirst-rate;
    excellent.
  3. notorious:[usually: be + ~ + for]The movie star was famous for being late.
fa•mous•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
fa•mous  (fāməs),USA pronunciation adj. 
  1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature;
    renowned;
    celebrated:a famous writer.
  2. Informal Termsfirst-rate;
    excellent:The singer gave a famous performance.
  3. notorious (used pejoratively).
  • Latin fāmōsus. See fame, -ous
  • Anglo-French
  • Middle English 1350–1400
famous•ly, adv. 
famous•ness, n. 
    • 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged famed, notable, illustrious.
      Famous, celebrated, eminent, distinguished refer to someone or something widely and favorably known.
      Famous is the general word:a famous lighthouse.Celebrated originally referred to something commemorated, but now usually refers to someone or something widely known for conspicuous merit, services, etc.:a celebrated writer.Eminent implies high standing among one's contemporaries, esp. in one's own profession or craft:an eminent physician.Distinguished adds to eminent the idea of honors conferred more or less publicly:a distinguished scientist.
    • 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged unknown, obscure.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
famous / ˈfeɪməs/
  1. known to or recognized by many people; renowned
  2. excellent; splendid
Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin fāmōsus; see fameˈfamousness
'famous' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Collocations: a famous [star, celebrity, player, singer, actor, actress, writer], famous [works, songs, quotes, inventions, figures], a famous [landmark, building, market, tourist attraction], more...

Forum discussions with the word(s) "famous" in the title:


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