1
a
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
Marilyn Chase
c
singular or plural in construction
: the socially superior part of society
… how the French-speaking elite … was changing …—Economist
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 plural
The elites …, pursuing their studies in Europe …—Robert Wernick
Robert Wernick2
: a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the linear inch
: 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
Garry Kasparov Examples of elite in a Sentence
Noun
the winners of this science award represent the elite of our high schools
the country's elite owned or controlled most of the wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Corruption cases reminiscent of the scandals that plagued the political elite that Milei vowed to overthrow have added to his challenges, with his close ally and chief of staff, Manuel Adorni, now under investigation for the misuse of public funds.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
Haaland said Maloney is highly coachable and elite in terms of athleticism.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elite
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Noun
To this day, a portion of the left-wing Democratic elite views Obama as a charlatan who hoodwinked their voters into supporting him.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Corruption cases reminiscent of the scandals that plagued the political elite that Milei vowed to overthrow have added to his challenges, with his close ally and chief of staff, Manuel Adorni, now under investigation for the misuse of public funds.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
India does not allow dual citizenship, meaning generations of elite athletes of Indian heritage have been ineligible to represent the national team across all sports.
—Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026
Haaland said Maloney is highly coachable and elite in terms of athleticism.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elite
Cite this Entry
“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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