adjective
famous
FAY-muhs
adjective
1
Known widely by many people.
"She became famous after her debut novel topped the bestseller list."
"The town is famous for its annual cheese festival."
How to Use Famous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWell known, usually in a positive sense.
Common mistake
For a bad kind of fame, use "infamous" or "notorious" instead — "famous" leans positive or neutral.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
famous for
world-famous
become famous
Word Forms
more famous comparative, famoused past tense, famouses singular, most famous superlative
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She became _____ after her debut novel topped the bestseller list.
Etymology
From Latin famosus, from fama, "fame, reputation" — the same root as "fame."