aristocrat
noun
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.
Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence
JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
The sapphires went on to become a favorite among aristocrats in 19th-century Europe and remain coveted among jewelry collectors.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
Warren hosted dinner parties in the residence, located at the base of Coit Tower, that attracted movie stars, best-selling authors, opera divas, aristocrats, photographers and composers.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Based on a true story, an aristocrat close to the Viceroy of New Spain begins a series of murders in 1637 Mexico City, exploiting his status to avoid justice.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aristocrat
Cite this Entry
“Aristocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aristocrat. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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aristocrat
noun
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