gentry

noun

gen·​try ˈjen-trē How to pronounce gentry (audio)
plural gentries
1
a
: upper or ruling class : aristocracy
b
: a class whose members are entitled to bear a coat of arms though not of noble rank
especially : wealthy landowners having such status
2
: people of a specified class or kind : folks
no real heroes or heroines among the academic gentryR. G. Hanvey
3
a
: the condition or rank of a gentleman
b
obsolete : the qualities appropriate to a person of gentle (see gentle entry 1 sense 4a) birth
especially : courtesy

Examples of gentry in a Sentence

poor tenant farmers working for landed gentry the old-line yachting gentry frowns on vulgar displays of wealth
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.
This differed from Europe, where land ownership was immobilized by gentry classes who housed and employed farmers. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025 These bodies have historically overwhelmingly catered to a tiny sliver of the population — predominantly white, gentry liberals. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 Members of Virginia’s gentry chafed at this ban, and Washington had spent years lobbying Dunmore to use his influence to reverse this restriction. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 In particular, Gilbert’s primary satire, of the English gentry, is unsalvageable. Jesse Green, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gentry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gentrie "high birth or rank, properties ideally characteristic of those of high birth, the wellborn collectively," borrowed from Anglo-French genterie "high birth," from gent "of aristocratic birth" + -erie -ery — more at gent entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentry was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentry. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

gentry

noun
gen·​try ˈjen-trē How to pronounce gentry (audio)
plural gentries
: people of high social status : aristocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on gentry

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