WordLens

populate

1 of 1verb
/ˈpɑpjəˌleɪt/
Forms:populates,populating,populated,populated
1

(of individuals or communities) to be present in a particular area

transitive
  • Various indigenous tribes have populated the rainforest for centuries.
  • Historical records suggest that ancient civilizations once populated the arid desert regions.
  • Over the centuries, settlers and pioneers gradually populated the vast plains.
  • The tourist season significantly increases the number of people populating the charming seaside resort.
2

to facilitate the settlement of people in a particular area

transitive
  • Efforts to populate the newly developed city included the construction of infrastructure, schools, and recreational facilities.
  • The company aimed to populate the industrial park by providing tax breaks and other incentives for businesses.
  • The colonization project sought to populate the uninhabited island.
  • Urban planners implemented strategies to populate the downtown area.