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people

When used as the plural of 'person', "people" is a count noun and takes a plural verb (e.g., "People are"). This is the most common usage. When referring to an ethnic group or nation, "people" acts as a singular noun. In this specific case, you can make it plural by adding another 's' ("peoples") to refer to multiple different ethnic groups. The verb form "to people" is less common and is usually found in formal writing or historical contexts.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Victoria is in a board meeting while David is pretending to work from home.
Victoria

Stop using buzzwords. Who are the actual people on this project?

Victoria
David
David

Just circling back with a few stakeholders, Victoria.

💡
Victoria is cutting through David's corporate jargon ('stakeholders') by demanding the names of the 'people' involved. The phrase 'circling back' is a common corporate idiom David uses to avoid giving a direct answer.

Meanings

noun (plural)

Human beings in general or a particular group of persons.

"There were many people waiting for the train."

noun (singular)

A nation, ethnic group, or community of persons sharing a common culture, language, or descent.

"The Kurds are a people without a state of their own."

verb (transitive)

To populate an area with people; to fill a place with inhabitants.

"The settlers began to people the valley in the early 19th century."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error