: 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
Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
At this historical moment, middle- and upper-class European women were increasingly urged to nurse their own babies for growing fear that wet nurses—usually of lower social rank, and sometimes another race—contributed to infant mortality.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
Multi-day vacations remained out of reach for most working people, and many of them resented the upper classes’ summering as a manifestation of inequality.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper-class
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
Zoom in: People living in lower-income neighborhoods across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware face higher flood risks over 30 years than those living in middle- and upper-class areas.
—Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
At this historical moment, middle- and upper-class European women were increasingly urged to nurse their own babies for growing fear that wet nurses—usually of lower social rank, and sometimes another race—contributed to infant mortality.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
In addition to those flying Virgin Atlantic upper class and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club gold tier members, Delta One travelers flying international can access the lounge.
—Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
Multi-day vacations remained out of reach for most working people, and many of them resented the upper classes’ summering as a manifestation of inequality.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upper-class
Cite this Entry
“Upper-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper-class. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share