English Reference
adjective

populated

adj.
US /ˈpɑpjəˌɫeɪtɪd/ UK /pˈɒpjʊlˌeɪtɪd/ pop·u·lat·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    having people living in a certain area.

    inhabited by a particular group or a specific number of people.

    Simple

    The coastal areas are more densely populated than the dry mountains.

    In context

    The valley remained sparsely populated for centuries until the discovery of silver brought a sudden influx of miners and merchants.

    unpopulateddesertedempty
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    filled with information, especially in a computer program or document.

    containing data or content that has been automatically or manually inserted into a digital framework.

    Simple

    Once you click 'import', the spreadsheet will be populated with your contact list.

    In context

    The database was automatically populated with real-time sensor data, allowing the engineers to monitor the bridge's structural integrity from their office.

Usage populated areas

The local authority has previously said the Highlands, which has large, sparsely populated areas, offered astronomy fans some of the darkest skies in Europe .

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

This cemented life in densely populated cities over hundreds of years.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated