known to or recognized by many people; renowned excellent; splendid
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
fa•mous /ˈfeɪməs/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature;
celebrated:autographs of some of the famous people. - Informal Termsfirst-rate;
excellent. - notorious:[usually: be + ~ + for]The movie star was famous for being late.
fa•mous
(fā′məs),USA pronunciation adj.
fa′mous•ly, adv.
fa′mous•ness, n.
- having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature;
renowned;
celebrated:a famous writer. - Informal Termsfirst-rate;
excellent:The singer gave a famous performance. - notorious (used pejoratively).
- Latin fāmōsus. See fame, -ous
- Anglo-French
- Middle English 1350–1400
fa′mous•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 person' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):