What does populous mean?
Populous is an adjective meaning that a place or area has a large number of people living in it, or that it is densely filled with people or other things. It is especially common in formal writing about cities, countries, regions, and neighborhoods: one might describe a metropolis as populous or note that an area has become increasingly populous. The word emphasizes the number or density of inhabitants rather than the popularity or attractiveness of a place. A populous destination may be famous for its culture, history, or economy, but it is not necessarily popular in the sense of being widely liked. In older and more literary usage, populous can also mean crowded or teeming with particular creatures or objects, such as a forest populous with birds. Overall, it is a precise and elevated alternative to describing a place simply as large or crowded.
Having a large population, especially in relation to the area occupied.
"The province is one of the most populous parts of the country."
Common in formal and literary contexts, particularly when describing cities, countries, and regions.
Filled or crowded with people or a particular kind of living thing.
"The forest is populous with rare birds and other wildlife."
This figurative sense is established but less common than the demographic meaning.
Populous comes from the Latin populus, meaning “people”: the word literally points to a place filled with a populace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does populous come from?
Populous comes from the Latin adjective populosus, derived from populus, meaning “people” or “populace.” The word entered English in the late 16th century and was initially used especially in the sense of densely inhabited. Its later figurative sense, meaning full of or teeming with people or things, developed from the same association with a large population.
Related word forms
How populous is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary in contemporary English, especially in descriptions of cities, countries, and regions. It describes population density or the presence of many people, and its figurative use with animals or things is less common but established.
Easily confused with populous
A populous place or group has many inhabitants, whereas a popular one is widely liked or frequently chosen.