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

Since flames destroyed thousands of homes in largely middle-class Altadena in January, more than 80 property owners have sold rather than rebuild, with many of the new buyers being developers, according to real estate agents. —Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

The dream of affordable homeownership is increasingly out of reach for middle-class households in California. —Muhammad Alameldin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025

Noun

This homebuilder made a fortune catering to the middle and upper middle class. —Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Escalating debt could have a more significant impact on low-income households, but the middle class is also facing challenges, Beene said. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 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