1. first-year students at a military academy, especially West Point or the Naval Academy
Usage: military academy context
2. members of the common people; ordinary citizens
Usage: formal; sometimes derogatory

Examples

• The plebes had to follow strict rules during their first year at the academy.
• Upper-class cadets were responsible for training the new plebes.
• All plebes must complete basic military training before advancing.
• The politician dismissed his critics as mere plebes who didn’t understand policy.
• During orientation, plebes learned the academy’s traditions and honor code.
• The senator’s comment about plebes sparked controversy among voters.