1
a
singular or plural in construction
: the choice part : cream
the elite of the entertainment world
b
singular or plural in construction
: the best of a class
… superachievers who dominate the computer elite …—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
c
singular or plural in construction
: the socially superior part of society
… how the French-speaking elite … was changing …—Economist
Economist
d
: a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
members of the ruling elite
e
: a member of such an elite
—usually used in plural
The elites …, pursuing their studies in Europe …—Robert Wernick
Robert Wernick2
: a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the linear inch
: of, relating to, serving, or being part of an elite
seeking to attain elite status
an elite group
an elite institution/school
often
: superior in quality, rank, skill, etc.
an elite performer
an elite athlete
an athlete with elite skills
The elite chess players of today are of no school. They hail from all over the world … —Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov Examples of elite in a Sentence
Noun
the winners of this science award represent the elite of our high schools
the country's elite owned or controlled most of the wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
In December, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the Epstein files exposed the hypocrisy of Western elites who had long criticized Moscow.
—Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
More than just a pretty face, though, the Aqua Terra 30 contains the elite Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8750, certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elite
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Noun
Some critics counter that Thiel’s fixation on apocalyptic scenarios reveals less about looming biblical prophecy than about the anxiety of a tech elite resisting limits on capital and code at a moment when public pressure for accountability is rapidly growing.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
In December, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the Epstein files exposed the hypocrisy of Western elites who had long criticized Moscow.
—Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Don’t forget about Texas A&M, which lost plenty to graduation and the transfer portal but boasts an elite slugger in Mya Perez and stellar shortstop KK Dement.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
More than just a pretty face, though, the Aqua Terra 30 contains the elite Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8750, certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elite
Cite this Entry
“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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