aristocracy

noun

ar·​is·​toc·​ra·​cy ˌa-rə-ˈstä-krə-sē 

ˌer-ə-

plural aristocracies

1

: government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class

2

a

: a government in which power is vested (see vest entry 2 sense 1a) in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified

b

: a state with such a government

3

: a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility

a member of the British aristocracy

4

: a class or group of people believed to be superior (as in rank, wealth, or intellect)

an intellectual aristocracy

Synonyms

• elite
• gentility
• gentlefolk
• gentlefolks
• gentry
• nobility
• patriciate
• quality
• upper class
• upper crust

Examples of aristocracy in a Sentence

a member of the aristocracy

at one time in China only the aristocracy could own land

Recent Examples on the Web

Sure, there are familiar beats and threads: the unconventional rifle, the watermelon sequence, the Jackal projecting an intriguing air of aristocracy. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

So when Silicon Valley aristocracy like Microsoft changes tack and embraces an emerging technology like bitcoin, everyone needs to sit up and take notice. —Sandy Carter, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The alternative is to succumb to those who wish to reestablish the colonial-era hierarchy, including monarchy and aristocracy. —Jane E. Calvert / Made By History, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Two worlds, one of a dwindling aristocracy, and the other of racing capitalism converge and throw up a whirlwind of clashing ambitions, steamy romance, chic couture and fashion-forward Instagrammable moments. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aristocracy

noun

ar·​is·​toc·​ra·​cy ˌar-ə-ˈstäk-rə-sē 

plural aristocracies

1

: a government run by a small class of people

2

a

: an upper class that is usually based on birth and is richer and more powerful than the rest of society

b

: persons thought to be better than the rest of the community