middle-class

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-class ˌmi-dᵊl-ˈklas How to pronounce middle-class (audio)
: of or relating to the middle class
especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property
middle-classness 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
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Adjective
The relaxation of sanctions on the Iranian economy could have changed political dynamics within Tehran by strengthening the hand of moderate factions reliant on middle-class votes and weakening the influence of conservatives and hard-liners in foreign policy decisions. Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Excess supply of computer science graduates College graduates have been told for years that coding is the ticket to an upper middle-class life. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
The creation of a green economy that improves our environment, creates viable union careers, bolsters the middle class, generates economic stimulus, and lowers overall energy costs is a priority. Gary Labarbera, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2025 His government dramatically reduced the poverty rate, and expanded Bolivia’s middle class. Mollie J. Cohen, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for middle-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle-class was in 1745

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Cite this Entry

“Middle-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-class. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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

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