Famous means widely known and recognized by many people. When someone is famous, their name, face, or work is familiar to large numbers of people, often across entire countries or even around the world. A famous scientist like Marie Curie is recognized for her groundbreaking discoveries. A famous author like Dr. Seuss is known by millions of children and adults. Famous athletes, musicians, inventors, and leaders become household names.

The word indicates recognition on a large scale, beyond just a school or neighborhood. Someone might be well-known at their company or popular in their town, but famous means recognition across entire regions, countries, or the world. George Washington became famous as a general and president. The Wright brothers became famous for inventing the airplane.

Fame often comes from exceptional achievement, talent, or doing something noteworthy, though sometimes people become famous simply for being in the public eye. A person can be famous for positive reasons, like discovering a cure for a disease, or negative ones, like committing a terrible crime. The word itself doesn't judge whether the fame is deserved or admirable.

The related word infamous means famous for something bad or shameful, a reputation everyone knows but nobody admires.