1. ordinary people, especially those considered to be of lower social class
Usage: informal; sometimes derogatory
2. in ancient Rome, the common citizens as distinguished from the patricians
Usage: historical

Examples

• The politician claimed to represent the plebs against the wealthy elite.
• He dismissed the concerns as merely complaints from the plebs.
• In ancient Rome, the plebs fought for political representation.
• The patricians looked down upon the plebs as inferior citizens.
• Social media gave the plebs a voice in political discourse.
• The Roman plebs eventually gained significant political power.