populate

[pop-yuh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

populated, populating 

1. to inhabit; live in; be the inhabitants of.

   Almost 2 million people populate the immediate area of the factory and were exposed to potential carcinogens.

2. to furnish with inhabitants, as by colonization; people.

   In the 1700s, the British government populated the colony of New South Wales with convicts.

3. Digital Technology.,  to fill (a digital document): She’s a fantastic photographer who has populated her blog with beautiful images.

   The survey results will populate the spreadsheet as soon as they are submitted online.

   She’s a fantastic photographer who has populated her blog with beautiful images.

populate

/ ˈpɒpjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (often passive) to live in; inhabit

2. to provide a population for; colonize or people

Other Word Forms

• outpopulate verb (used with object)
• repopulate verb (used with object)
• superpopulated adjective
• underpopulate verb (used with object)
• unpopulated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of populate¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin populātus, past participle of populāre “to populate, inhabit”; people, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of populate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin populāre to provide with inhabitants, from Latin populus people

Example Sentences

Currently, agencies such as Caltrans often rely on routine mowing to fight the flammable grasses along transportation corridors and in populated areas.

From Los Angeles Times

California’s 34th District is overwhelmingly composed of renters and includes some of the most densely populated working-class neighborhoods in the country, as well as some of the most rapidly gentrifying sections of Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Animal lovers argue that much of the confusion stems from a recent Supreme Court order that has reignited a polarising debate: How should India manage its stray dog population in densely populated cities?

From BBC

On Saturday, Hamas accused the IDF of hitting a residential building in the densely populated al-Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City.

From BBC

They are restoring a natural wildlife-rich habitat made up of open grasslands populated with ancient trees, known as wood pasture.

From BBC

Related Words

• colonize 
• inhabit 
• occupy