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

People can achieve a middle-class lifestyle without the large debt that can come with a four-year college degree. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

National Historical Park and one of the largest Black middle-class populations in the country. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Noun

But some players and agents fret about the financial fate of the sport’s middle class. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

Physical books are enjoying a renaissance in Asia, thanks to growing literacy, an expanding middle class, and the rise of English as a second language. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 19 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