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

But after Hyundai launched Santro — a quirky looking hatchback, priced right in the comfort zone of middle-class India — there was no looking back. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025

Since houses tend to rise in value over time, homeownership has been a primary way that middle-class families build wealth. —Alex Mayyasi, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025

Noun

And Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, argues that America’s political division is its greatest national security threat - and the best defense is rebuilding the middle class. —September 11, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025

Tala provides financial services to the emerging global middle class. —Jack McCullough, Forbes.com, 10 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