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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Vice President Kamala Harris refused to accept any responsibility for the inflation that has devastated the middle-class and lower-income groups. Richard Stacy, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024 She’s also vowed to expand the child tax credit for lower- and middle-class families and wants to provide a $25,000 down payment assistance for first-time home buyers. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Despite bipartisan appeal, support for crypto-friendly candidates leans slightly Democratic, with 54% favoring candidates like Vice President Harris, who emphasizes crypto’s potential to promote economic advancement for the middle class. Tonya Evans, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Harris also has an edge over Trump on the issue of who looks out for the middle class. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 4 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 14 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on middle-class

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