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

Beginning around the mid-19th century, middle-class Americans began to idealize the velvety green grass of European manor houses, according to the Smithsonian Institution. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Armani was born on July 11, 1934, to a middle-class family in the northern Italian city of Piacenza. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

Noun

Rising demand for international schools in Kenya from a substantial middle class and a growing expatriate population is driving investment into one of Africa’s fastest growing private education sectors. —Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025

The middle class is over — there is a facade of having a normal life when everyone is one [bad break] away from financial calamity. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 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