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

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

In 2026, a perfect storm of rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced subsidies that kept costs lower for middle-class families mean many people will face higher bills or be forced to shop around for cheaper plans. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025

Moore was raised in Cadiz, Ohio, by a middle-class family, per a 1991 report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Noun

For more than a quarter century, Keïta photographed Bamakois from all walks of life—government officials, intellectuals, artists, and everyday members of Mali’s rising middle class. —Folasade Ologundudu, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025

Her more compelling argument is that the one-per-centers are squeezing out the middle class. —Grace Byron, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

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