upper-class

1 of 2

adjective

up·​per-class ˌə-pər-ˈklas How to pronounce upper-class (audio)
-ˈkläs
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper class

upper class

2 of 2

noun

: a social class occupying a position above the middle class and having the highest status in a society

Examples of upper-class in a Sentence

Adjective upper-class boys who had an entrenched sense of entitlement Noun a popular pastime among the upper classes a member of the upper class
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
Zoom in: People living in lower-income neighborhoods across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware face higher flood risks over 30 years than those living in middle- and upper-class areas. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 At this historical moment, middle- and upper-class European women were increasingly urged to nurse their own babies for growing fear that wet nurses—usually of lower social rank, and sometimes another race—contributed to infant mortality. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
After that, you’re considered upper class, according to the study. Daniel Schrager, Idaho Statesman, 14 Mar. 2025 The Real Housewives franchise started as a modest examination into the absurdities of the quotidian lives of the upper class — a little bit Desperate Housewives, a little bit Laguna Beach, with a lot of glam in between. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upper-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper-class was in 1814

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Upper-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper-class. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

upper class

noun
: the highest class in society
upper-class adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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