aristocracy
noun
, ˌer-ə-\
Definition of aristocracy
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for aristocracy
Synonyms
elite, gentility, gentlefolk (also gentlefolks), gentry, nobility, patriciate, quality, upper class, upper crust
Antonyms
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of aristocracy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An edict issued by King Henry VIII of England in 1517, for example, dictated the maximum number of dishes allowed at a meal: nine for a cardinal, seven for the aristocracy and three for the gentry. — Amanda Foreman, WSJ, "Unenforceable Laws Against Pleasure," 24 Jan. 2019 And yet these characters cling to an aristocracy that ceased to exist a century ago. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "The Romanoffs, from Mad Men creator Matt Weiner, feels like a period piece about the present," 12 Oct. 2018 And, although the aristocracy is no longer recognized by the Italian government, the Passi de Preposulo family still use their count and countess titles. — Kayleigh Roberts, Harper's BAZAAR, "Who Is Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo? Here’s What You Need to Know About Jessica Chastain's New Husband," 10 June 2017 The stories also stemmed from the Russian aristocracy's general distaste for Alexandra, an outsider and the German granddaughter of Queen Victoria. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Did Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, the Last Empress of Russia, Really Have an Affair With Rasputin?," 20 Oct. 2018 And so, a sofa that exemplified luxury and comfort was born—and quickly became a staple within the homes, businesses, and clubs of England’s aristocracy. — Maggie Burch, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need To Know About The Classic Chesterfield Sofa," 26 Nov. 2018 Forward-thinking though his prose may have been, English writer Evelyn Waugh was a man who loved to look backward—at his debauched youth, at his spiritual journey, and at the erosion of the aristocracy, among other things. — Adrienne Westenfeld, Town & Country, "T&C Family Album: Evelyn Waugh," 27 Mar. 2014 People with that background these days are, no matter their color or economic level, almost American aristocracy. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, "Melania’s Misstep and Michelle’s Mystery," 15 Nov. 2018 Spencer, who is a member of British aristocracy, is not in line to the throne. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, "Princess Diana's niece shocks in controversial photo shoot wearing marijuana necklace," 30 Aug. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aristocracy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for aristocracy
aristocracy
noun
English Language Learners Definition of aristocracy
See the full definition for aristocracy in the English Language Learners Dictionary
aristocracy
noun
\
Kids Definition of aristocracy
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on aristocracy
What made you want to look up aristocracy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
What did you just call me?! A Quiz
-
- If a member of the audience describes your speech as bombastic, does that person mean it is:
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share aristocracy
Resources for aristocracy