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

a typical middle-class family

traditional middle-class values

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 histories of women’s lives tend to not be as robustly recorded; so too, are the lives of working- and even middle-class people. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

With her family business in high demand, Janet’s middle-class childhood provided her with a level of comfort and security never known to her parents or older siblings. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

Noun

This was right after a speech in which the senator called on Democrats to embrace economic populism and work on lowering costs for the middle class through such policy moves. —Kelly Evans, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

As inflation eroded the purchasing power of the middle class, companies shifted strategies to chase the resilient top 20%. —Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middle-class

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

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