middle-class

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-class ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas 

: of or relating to the middle class

especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property

middle-classness

ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas-nəs 

noun

middle class

2 of 2

noun

: a class occupying a position between the upper class and the lower class

especially : a fluid heterogeneous socioeconomic grouping composed principally of business and professional people, bureaucrats, and some farmers and skilled workers sharing common social characteristics and values

Examples of middle-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The problem with plutocracy is that billionaires are typically removed from the struggles of working- and middle-class citizens, ordinary folks who share neither the goals nor system of values of the ultrawealthy. —Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 25 Dec. 2024

Tall tales like these served to hide the truth that Dylan was a normal middle-class Minnesota kid who grew up loving rock ‘n’ roll and blues before switching to folk. —Brady Gerber, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

Twenty-four participants – all middle class, male college students – had been chosen for the study. —Tess Foley-Cox, theweek, 20 Dec. 2024

This new mindset can foster collaboration and sustainable growth, empowering the sales class to redefine the middle class through entrepreneurship and wealth creation. —Nikolaus Kimla, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

middle class

noun

: a social class that occupies a position between the upper class and the lower class and is composed mainly of business and professional people, government officials, farmers, and skilled workers

middle-class adjective