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 state Capitol is witnessing the collision of two powerful opposing forces, with checks worth hundreds of millions of dollars to poor and middle-class families hanging in the balance. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025

The goal is not to take black children out of the black community and expose them to white middle-class values; the goal is to build and strengthen the black community. —Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025

Noun

The rise of the Black federal workforce helped build a Black middle class in America after generations of segregation, prejudice and worse, said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, told USA TODAY. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Below, see what’s considered middle class in your state. —Mike Winters, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middle-class

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

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