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

But Booker’s and Van Hollen’s plans would each be attempts not just to lower inequality or pay for new social spending, but also to help middle-class families through the tax code. —Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026

Walter sees middle-class tax cuts as a way to ease the cost of living. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Noun

Some Democratic strategists think that running on tax cuts for the middle class could help. —Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026

The setting of Lemoncurd, which skewered cookie-cutter suburbia and the bonkers priorities of the upper-middle class, made even the moments of gross-out comedy cute. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 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