bourgeoisie

noun

bour·​geoi·​sie ˌbu̇(r)zh-ˌwä-ˈzē 

1

: middle class

members of the bourgeoisie

also, plural in construction : members of the middle class

how the bourgeoisie are represented in the novel

2

: a class or group of people with social behavior and political views held to be influenced by private-property interest : a social order dominated by capitalists or bourgeois (see bourgeois entry 2 sense 2)

Examples of bourgeoisie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its leaders sanctioned the mass appropriation of lands from the nobility and their distribution to smaller farmers and the urban bourgeoisie. —Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

The promise in the air inspires immigrants, unionists, suffragettes, and a rising Black bourgeoisie. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

La Notte, another standout, sees her light up a contemplative drama about the Italian bourgeoisie. —Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 6 June 2025

This creative evolution has expanded papier-mâché’s market appeal, with a new generation of clientele emerging – a group that includes interior designers, a local urban bourgeoisie, and international buyers. —Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from bourgeois

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bourgeoisie

• petite bourgeoisie
• petty bourgeoisie
• the bourgeoisie

Rhymes for bourgeoisie

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee

Kids Definition

bourgeoisie

noun

bour·​geoi·​sie ˌbu̇rzh-ˌwä-ˈzē 

: the middle class of society