literally “the entire people”: something that affects a substantial portion of the global population. Usually, alas, in a negative way; most frequently of a disease.
"The WHO classified COVID-19 as a pandemic in early March."
A highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to spread from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.