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

… broadcloth, the aristocrat of clothing …

—B. A. Botkin and Alvin F. Harlow

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 of aristocrat

• noble

Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The Dracula of Bram Stoker’s novel, a sophisticated aristocrat, remains, like his forebears, an unwelcome stranger. —Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026

Yasmin exited finance altogether, embracing her destiny as the socialite bride-to-be of blue-blooded aristocrat Henry Muck (Kit Harington). —Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

The book, published by Bedford Square, is her sixth, and the third memoir from the British aristocrat who only began writing at age 87. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025

Procter & Gamble is considered a dividend aristocrat — a distinction reserved for companies that have increased their dividends every year for the last 25 consecutive years. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see aristocracy

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aristocrat

• magnificat
• acrobat
• autocrat
• automat
• bundesrat
• bureaucrat
• butterfat
• caveat
• chemostat
• copycat
• cryostat
• democrat

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