aristocrat

noun

aris·​to·​crat ə-ˈri-stə-ˌkrat 

a-;

ˈa-rə-stə-

1

: a member of an aristocracy

especially : noble

an aristocrat by birth

2

a

: one who has the bearing and viewpoint typical of the aristocracy

b

: one who favors aristocracy

3

: one believed to be superior of its kind

the aristocrat of Southern resorts

—Southern Living

Did you know?

Since aristos means "best" in Greek, ancient Greeks such as Plato and Aristotle used the word aristocracy to mean a system of rule by the best people—that is, those who deserved to rule because of their intelligence and moral excellence. But this kind of "best" soon became something you could inherit from your parents. The United States has no formal aristocracy—no noble titles such as baron or marquis that stay in the family—but certain American families have achieved an almost aristocratic status because of the wealth they've held onto for generations.

Synonyms

• blue blood
• gentle
• gentleperson
• noble
• patrician

Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence

could trace his lineage to an English aristocrat of the 17th century

Recent Examples on the Web

Turner was seen horsing around with the British aristocrat at a polo match at his family's estate in West Sussex, England in late June. —Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 8 July 2024

After changing hands among various European aristocrats, the painting was looted by Napoleonic troops during the French occupation of Vienna in 1809 and taken to Paris. —Jack Guy, CNN, 3 July 2024

The English aristocrats were arrogant, complacent about their constitution and unwilling to think freshly about most things. —Gordon S. Wood, Washington Post, 2 July 2024

This is the moment for the Greenwich aristocrat to redeem his solemn promise. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see aristocracy

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aristocrat

noun

aris·​to·​crat ə-ˈris-tə-ˌkrat 

a-;

ˈar-ə-stə-

1

: a member of an aristocracy

2

: a person who has habits and ideas like those of the aristocracy

aristocratic

ə-ˌris-tə-ˈkrat-ik

a-ˌris-tə-

ˌar-ə-stə-

adjective

aristocratically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb