noun
Common
masses
MAS-ihz
Masses (noun) means Ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group. Example: “Cheap air travel has opened up foreign holidays to the masses.”
noun
1
Ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group.
"Cheap air travel has opened up foreign holidays to the masses."
"The politician claimed to speak for the masses, not the elite."
"Streaming made blockbuster films instantly available to the masses."
2
The full population of a place or group.
"Census data tracks the masses across every region of the country."
How to use masses
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBig groups of ordinary people, as opposed to a small privileged few.
Common pairings
the working masses
appeal to the masses
the great masses
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for masses
See all rhymes for masses →Frequently asked questions
What does “masses” mean?
The word “masses” means ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group. In plain terms, big groups of ordinary people, as opposed to a small privileged few.
How do you pronounce “masses”?
“Masses” is pronounced MAS-ihz (/ˈmæs.ɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “masses” in a sentence?
Here is “masses” used in a sentence: “The politician claimed to speak for the masses, not the elite.”
What part of speech is “masses”?
“Masses” is a noun.
Is “masses” a common word?
“Masses” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “masses” have?
“Masses” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group.
What is the difference between the masses and the public?
Both refer to ordinary people in general, but 'the masses' pictures them as a single large body and can sound impersonal or dismissive. 'The public' is a more neutral term for people as a whole, especially in relation to services, opinion, or government.
What is the difference between the masses and a crowd?
'The masses' means ordinary people in general, imagined as a huge, undefined group across society. A crowd is a specific gathering of people in one place at one time, so it is far smaller and more concrete than the masses.
Does 'the masses' have a positive or negative tone?
The phrase is often neutral but can carry a slightly negative or condescending tone, suggesting a faceless multitude rather than distinct individuals. Context and the speaker's attitude decide whether it sounds respectful or dismissive.
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