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

Many are middle-class families already stretched thin. —Steven Fulop, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

The courtyard apartment development was constructed near the horse track at Washington Park, with 52 apartments geared toward middle-class residents, according to Preservation Chicago. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Noun

The middle class is being squeezed, in more ways than one. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Furthermore, often government programs are for the benefit of individuals at 60% of median income, leaving the middle class with no options to find affordable housing. —Rafael Leon, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 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