Definition of elite
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a singular or plural in construction : the choice part : cream the elite of the entertainment world
b singular or plural in construction : the best of a class
superachievers who dominate the computer elite— Marilyn Chase
c singular or plural in construction : the socially superior part of society
how the French-speaking elite … was changing — Economist
d : a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
members of the ruling elite
e : a member of such an elite
—usually used in pluralthe elites …, pursuing their studies in Europe— Robert Wernick
2 : a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the linear inch
elite
adjectiveDefinition of elite (Entry 2 of 3)
: of, relating to, serving, or being part of an elite seeking to attain elite status an elite group an elite institution/school often : superior in quality, rank, skill, etc. an elite performer an elite athlete an athlete with elite skills The elite chess players of today are of no school. They hail from all over the world … — Garry Kasparov
élite, élitism
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Time Traveler for elite
The first known use of elite was in 1738
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