middle-class

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-class ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas 

: of or relating to the middle class

especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property

a typical middle-class family

traditional middle-class values

middle-classness

ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas-nəs 

noun

middle class

2 of 2

noun

: a class occupying a position between the upper class and the lower class

especially : a fluid heterogeneous socioeconomic grouping composed principally of business and professional people, bureaucrats, and some farmers and skilled workers sharing common social characteristics and values

Examples of middle-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Resurrecting the vibrant neighborhoods that nurtured me would mean implementing public policies that make the city truly affordable and accessible for Black folks and poor and middle-class New Yorkers of all races. —Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026

All of Youngblood’s victims, some wealthy, some middle-class, trusted him. —Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026

Noun

While the middle class is stalling, to put it mildly, the irredeemably rich appear to be getting even richer. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, said his caucus supports finding new tax relief for Connecticut’s middle class. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middle-class

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

Kids Definition

middle class

noun

: a social class that occupies a position between the upper class and the lower class and is composed mainly of business and professional people, government officials, farmers, and skilled workers

middle-class adjective