bread and circuses

plural noun

: a palliative offered especially to avert potential discontent

Examples of bread and circuses in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Murphy casts fame and celebrity like the Romans used bread and circuses. Michael Appler, Variety, 24 Sep. 2024 The book’s critique of governmental bread and circuses to mollify the masses also gets neutered, as the film ironically shoves cameos by other Netflix stars into every available minute — as if reminding viewers there’s plenty else to watch here once the film ends. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

translation of Latin panis et circenses

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bread and circuses was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near bread and circuses

Cite this Entry

“Bread and circuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bread%20and%20circuses. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!