middle-class

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-class ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas How to pronounce middle-class (audio)
: of or relating to the middle class
especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property
middle-classness 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
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.
Adjective
Before long, driving to the mall with your family to give your biggest, tightest smiles for a relatively affordable, 15-minute shoot (sometimes in matching outfits) felt like a middle-class custom. Erin Sagen, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024 The drama explores the conflict between tradition and progress in modern-day Iran through a middle-class family whose two daughters question their father’s role in the government as student protests erupt in the streets. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
That’s roughly 300% above the federal poverty line – not poor, but on the edge of middle class for a two-person household. Dan Horn, The Courier-Journal, 2 Dec. 2024 After decades of building homes largely for the affluent, following the Great Depression, Wright wanted to come up with a design system that would be accessible for the American middle class. Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for middle-class 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle-class was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near middle-class

Cite this Entry

“Middle-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-class. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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

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