What is 'Popular Music'?

Popular music is a genre of music which is difficult to define. The definition of ‘popular’ has changed throughout the years which has additionally altered the meaning of ‘popular music’. I believe it is impossible to completely and accurately define popular music through using any single definition of the word ‘popular’ which have been developed throughout history. However, I agree with the definitions of popular which define ‘popular’ as belonging to the people or of common people (as in the 16th century definition) because the recognisable nature of this music which is deemed as ‘popular music’. Another important factor that is part of ‘popular music’ is that popular music changes from culture to culture (for example, I don’t know who Ellie Goulding is). Although I cannot formulate a full definition of ‘popular music’, both of these factors have to be considered when describing ‘popular music’ to form a basic understanding of its essence.