people
UK[ˈpiːp(ə)l]US[ˈpiːp(ə)l]
n
Human beings in general, considered collectively
n
The men, women, and children who live in a particular country or belong to a particular nation, community, or ethnic group
n
The ordinary citizens of a country, as distinct from its government or elite
v
To populate or inhabit a place
Etymology
The journey of "people" begins with the Latin "populus," signifying a body of citizens, a nation, or the common populace. This Latin term is of uncertain ultimate origin but is thought to be related to the Etruscan word for "army" and possibly to the Greek "dēmos" (people), hinting at ancient concepts of collective identity and civic organization. Entering English via Anglo-Norman French after the Norman Conquest, it gradually displaced the native Old English word "folc." Over time, its meaning broadened from a specific political or national community to encompass the more general sense of human beings collectively, while also developing a singular verb form meaning "to inhabit."
Analysis
The modern English word "people" is a simplex form. It evolved from the Anglo-Norman French "peple, people" and the Old French "pueple," which in turn derived from the Latin "populus" meaning "a people, nation, multitude."
Examples
The streets were filled with people from all walks of life.
The American people will vote in the upcoming election.
They decided to people the new colony with skilled artisans.