In sociometric studies: designating people who are chosen by others as partners, colleagues, etc., significantly more than the average number of times. Also more generally: that is chosen more often than others of its type.

Treated as plural. With the. That group of people who, in a sociometric study, are chosen by others to be partners, colleagues, etc., significantly more than the average number of times; the most popular members of a sociometric group. Also as a count noun: a member of such a group.