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

The newspaper doubled down over the weekend, reporting that Beckett and Ranganathan had made jokes about Acaster’s middle-class background. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

With housing costs a top concern among Californians, voters casting their ballots in the November election are considering a multi-billion dollar plan that aims to help prospective middle-class homebuyers by offering down payment assistance. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Noun

Brodeur and Lowndes agree that housing affordability is also tied to supply, and that more homes available to the middle class need to be constructed. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

By 2010, the Latino population in Maricopa County had diversified to include a large Spanish-speaking middle class. — Michael Kiefer, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middle-class

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

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