1. having people living in it; inhabited
2. having a large number of people living in it

Examples

• The island has been populated for over 500 years.
• This is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
• The northern regions are sparsely populated due to harsh weather.
• The area became populated after the railroad was built.
• Heavily populated areas often face traffic problems.
• The valley was first populated by Native American tribes.
• Urban areas are more populated than rural ones.