Plebeians: meaning, definitions and examples

Roman history

Commoners in ancient Rome, who were not part of the aristocracy. They made up the bulk of the Roman population and were often farmers, craftsmen, or laborers.

common people, commoners, the masses

Examples of usage

• They were excluded from the political decision-making process, which was dominated by the patrician class.

• Plebeians often struggled for more rights and representation in the Roman Republic.

• The conflict between the plebeians and the patricians led to the establishment of the Tribunes of the Plebs as representatives of the common people.

• The plebeians formed a significant part of the Roman society and played a crucial role in its development.

• Despite their lower social status, plebeians were essential to the functioning of the Roman economy.