aristocrat

noun

aris·​to·​crat ə-ˈri-stə-ˌkrat 

a-;

ˈa-rə-stə-

1

: a member of an aristocracy

especially : noble

an aristocrat by birth

2

a

: one who has the bearing and viewpoint typical of the aristocracy

b

: one who favors aristocracy

3

: one believed to be superior of its kind

the aristocrat of Southern resorts

—Southern Living

Did you know?

Since aristos means "best" in Greek, ancient Greeks such as Plato and Aristotle used the word aristocracy to mean a system of rule by the best people—that is, those who deserved to rule because of their intelligence and moral excellence. But this kind of "best" soon became something you could inherit from your parents. The United States has no formal aristocracy—no noble titles such as baron or marquis that stay in the family—but certain American families have achieved an almost aristocratic status because of the wealth they've held onto for generations.

Synonyms

• blue blood
• gentle
• gentleperson
• noble
• patrician

Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence

could trace his lineage to an English aristocrat of the 17th century

Recent Examples on the Web

While the precise origins of the jewel remain unclear, some specialists believe it was crafted for royalty or a high-ranking aristocrat during the decade leading up to the French Revolution, according to Sotheby’s. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024

Despite the exact origins of the necklace not being recorded, the auction house believes the antique piece could only have been made for royalty or a high-ranking aristocrat. —Amarachi Orie, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024

McDonald’s is a dividend aristocrat that has raised its dividends for 47 consecutive years. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2024

Meghan Markle is many things: an actor, a mother, a Northwestern University alum (go cats!), and a former aristocrat among them. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see aristocracy

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aristocrat

noun

aris·​to·​crat ə-ˈris-tə-ˌkrat 

a-;

ˈar-ə-stə-

1

: a member of an aristocracy

2

: a person who has habits and ideas like those of the aristocracy

aristocratic

ə-ˌris-tə-ˈkrat-ik

a-ˌris-tə-

ˌar-ə-stə-

adjective

aristocratically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb