aristocracy

noun

ar·​is·​toc·​ra·​cy ˌa-rə-ˈstä-krə-sē 

ˌer-ə-

plural aristocracies

1

: government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class

2

a

: a government in which power is vested (see vest entry 2 sense 1a) in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified

b

: a state with such a government

3

: a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility

a member of the British aristocracy

4

: a class or group of people believed to be superior (as in rank, wealth, or intellect)

an intellectual aristocracy

Synonyms

• elite
• gentility
• gentlefolk
• gentlefolks
• gentry
• nobility
• patriciate
• quality
• upper class
• upper crust

Examples of aristocracy in a Sentence

a member of the aristocracy

at one time in China only the aristocracy could own land

Recent Examples on the Web

Decorative arts flourished during this era, and the homes of the aristocracy, like those of the wealthy families featured in Bridgerton, featured opulent furnishings, detailed textiles, and striking color schemes, Lameraner says. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2024

The house, built for the aristocracy nearly 300 years ago, was divided into 19 tenement flats in the late 19th century as the area became more deprived and crowded. —Megan Specia, New York Times, 27 June 2024

Mirrorpix/Getty Images The Origin of the Bikini Since the mid-19th century, bathing suits have been soaked in the waters of Normandy or Biarritz, cherished by the sea-bathing aristocracy. —Manon Garrigues, Vogue, 18 June 2024

The implication is that both his life in the aristocracy and his life in the military prepared him for life as a gangster. —Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aristocracy

noun

ar·​is·​toc·​ra·​cy ˌar-ə-ˈstäk-rə-sē 

plural aristocracies

1

: a government run by a small class of people

2

a

: an upper class that is usually based on birth and is richer and more powerful than the rest of society

b

: persons thought to be better than the rest of the community