The article reviews the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), highlighting its multifaceted roles as a surface stabilizer, growth modifier, nanoparticle dispersant, and reducing agent. PVP's amphiphilic nature and molecular weight significantly influence NP growth and morphology by affecting solubility, surface stabilization, and kinetically controlled growth conditions. The review covers the synthesis of metallic NPs (Ag, Au, Pd, Pt), metal oxides, and metal chalcogenides, emphasizing how PVP's properties contribute to the formation of specific nanostructures. For example, PVP stabilizes Ag $\{100\}$ facets, promoting the growth of nanocubes, while it stabilizes Au $\{111\}$ facets, leading to octahedra. PVP also acts as a reducing agent, facilitating the deposition of metal onto seeds. The article discusses the synthesis of various bimetallic nanostructures, such as Au@Ag and Pt@Pd, and the role of PVP in controlling their shapes and sizes. Overall, the review underscores the versatility and importance of PVP in achieving controlled NP synthesis, opening new applications in fields like nanomedicine, catalysis, and sensing.The article reviews the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), highlighting its multifaceted roles as a surface stabilizer, growth modifier, nanoparticle dispersant, and reducing agent. PVP's amphiphilic nature and molecular weight significantly influence NP growth and morphology by affecting solubility, surface stabilization, and kinetically controlled growth conditions. The review covers the synthesis of metallic NPs (Ag, Au, Pd, Pt), metal oxides, and metal chalcogenides, emphasizing how PVP's properties contribute to the formation of specific nanostructures. For example, PVP stabilizes Ag $\{100\}$ facets, promoting the growth of nanocubes, while it stabilizes Au $\{111\}$ facets, leading to octahedra. PVP also acts as a reducing agent, facilitating the deposition of metal onto seeds. The article discusses the synthesis of various bimetallic nanostructures, such as Au@Ag and Pt@Pd, and the role of PVP in controlling their shapes and sizes. Overall, the review underscores the versatility and importance of PVP in achieving controlled NP synthesis, opening new applications in fields like nanomedicine, catalysis, and sensing.