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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

plebeian

/pləˈbiən/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:05
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What does plebeian mean?

noun

  1. A commoner, particularly (derogatory) a low, vulgar person.

adjective

  1. Of or concerning the common people.
  2. Common, particularly (derogatory) vulgar, crude, coarse, uncultured.
More meanings (2)

noun

  1. (historical) A member of the plebs, the common citizens of ancient Rome.

adjective

  1. (historical) Of or concerning the plebs, the common citizens of ancient Rome.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/pləˈbiən/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

Who can wonder at the hostility of the French plebeian classes towards the aristocracy in the days of the Revolution?
George P. (George Perkins) MarshThe Earth as Modified by Human ActionProject Gutenberg ebook #6019
Though in his own country he is regarded as plebeian, just a common cur, he is by no means a mongrel.
Robert LeightonDogs and All about ThemProject Gutenberg ebook #10991
More book examples (3)
But these associations invested this plebeian fish with something of a religious character, which he has never quite lost, in my mind.
Charles Dudley WarnerThe Complete Writings of Charles Dudley Warner — Volume 1Project Gutenberg ebook #2671
The plebeian, who takes his pleasure on no day but Sunday, jostles the patrician, who takes his, from year’s end to year’s end.
Charles DickensSunday Under Three HeadsProject Gutenberg ebook #922
The house was packed, both in the smart orchestra boxes and the pit, as well as in the more plebeian balconies and galleries above.
Emmuska Orczy, Baroness OrczyThe Scarlet PimpernelProject Gutenberg ebook #60