Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Populace /päpʹyə-ləs/ · Pop·u·lace · IPA /ˈpɑpjələs/ 01 n. The common people; the vulgar; the multitude, -- comprehending all persons not distinguished by rank, office, education, or profession. 1. The common people; the vulgar; the multitude, -- comprehending all persons not distinguished by rank, office, education, or profession. “To . . . calm the peers and please the populace.” — Daniel. “They . . . call us Britain's barbarous populaces.” — Tennyson. Syn. Mob; people; commonalty.