upper-class

1 of 2

adjective

up·​per-class ˌə-pər-ˈklas How to pronounce upper-class (audio)
-ˈkläs
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper class

upper class

2 of 2

noun

: a social class occupying a position above the middle class and having the highest status in a society

Examples of upper-class in a Sentence

Adjective upper-class boys who had an entrenched sense of entitlement Noun a popular pastime among the upper classes a member of the upper class
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Copying artworks was a respectable pastime for middle- and upper-class Victorian women, though once again, Tissot leaves the narrative open to a suggestive analysis. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025 In this early example of auto-fiction, Mishima offers a poetic analysis of his sentimental education as a young man whose sadomasochistic gay fantasies clash with the conventions of his upper-class upbringing. Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
So, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the upper class would take leftover food, goods, or money and put them in boxes to give out to the poor. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024 The British upper classes and a farmer's bum laid bare, as the Norfolk countryside slowly desiccates. The Week Uk, theweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upper-class 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper-class was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near upper-class

Upper Chinook

upper-class

upper class

Cite this Entry

“Upper-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper-class. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

upper class

noun
: the highest class in society
upper-class adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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