aristocrat

noun

aris·to·crat | \ ə-ˈris-tə-ˌkrat

, a-; ˈa-rə-stə-\

Definition of aristocrat

1 : a member of an aristocracy especially : noble an aristocrat by birth

2a : 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

Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about aristocrat

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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.

Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The entire royal family was here, along with a complement of English aristocrats and important personages. — Sarah Lyall, New York Times, "‘Stand by Me’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Married," 20 May 2018 Using that measure, the fortune of John D. Rockefeller, America’s first billionaire and Mr. Bezos’ stiffest competition among latter day aristocrats, would equal only $24 billion today. — Jo Craven Mcginty, WSJ, "Is Jeff Bezos Really the Richest of Them All?," 10 Aug. 2018 Original French Provincial homes ranged from large but modest farmhouses to country estates of wealthy aristocrats, so the level of adornment and detailing varied, but most of the revival homes air on the grand, detailed side. — Maggie Burch, House Beautiful, "French Provincial Design Has Always Set the Bar For Casual Elegance," 11 Jan. 2019 Famous oil paintings of goddesses and aristocrats of yore only added to the impressive company. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Is Victoria Beckham the Most Fashionable Patron of the Arts?," 25 Jan. 2019 Having long nails is something that’s always been associated with vampires, witches, even aristocrats—nails were historically used for power. — Bri Luna, Glamour, "I'm a Real Witch, and I Spend $7,855 a Year on My Beauty Rituals," 31 Oct. 2018 The sprawling villa, once a monastery, recalls a Sicily of opulent leisure and eccentric aristocrats. — Washington Post, "Pruning olive trees is a balance of art, lore and science," 1 May 2018 Back then, Joseph Breitman, Mendel's great-great-grandfather, wrapped Russian aristocrats in sable. — Kristina Stewart Ward, ELLE Decor, "Gilles Mendel's Fashion-Forward Home," 5 Jan. 2010 The British and Spanish royals aren’t the only aristocrats on vacation. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "See How the Swedish Royal Family Spent Their Summer," 20 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aristocrat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.