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 explanation of what happened to America’s middle-class is even more memorable because of the clever lyrics and enticing melody. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024

Brooks was building an enclave for working- and middle-class Blacks in an area that once was a hub of Black culture during the 1900s and 1950s. —La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

Noun

Whereas Kamala Harris expressed plans to support and benefit the middle class and everyday Americans, Trump’s economic platform will likely continue his work to reduce taxes for the wealthy. —Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024

Harris has promised to deploy economic policies to boost the middle class if elected, including not raising taxes on Americans making $400,000 or less, a federal ban on price gouging and no taxes on tips. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 6 Nov. 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