working-class

1 of 2

adjective

work·​ing-class ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas How to pronounce working-class (audio)
: of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners
working-class virtues
a working-class family

working class

2 of 2

noun

: the class of people who work for wages usually at manual labor

Examples of working-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
In the clip, the longtime symbol of working-class Americana contemplates the massive political divide in America that’s developed over the past decade. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024 Unlike other Kmart locations, the Bridgehampton store (originally a Caldor unit) was distinguished by its diverse clientele of rich Hamptons homeowners, like Stewart, weekenders and working-class locals. David Moin, WWD, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
Last August, Teixeira raised alarms that the non-white working class could follow suit, pointing to a Times/Siena poll of the 2024 race. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The kaffiyeh thus became a symbol of solidarity uniting working class Palestinians with the upper-class, who would typically also wear a fez. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for working-class 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'working-class.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working-class was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near working-class

working circle

working-class

working class

Cite this Entry

“Working-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working-class. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

working class

noun
: the class of people who work for wages usually in manual labor
working-class adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on working-class

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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