social class

noun

plural social classes

: a group of people sharing the same social or socioeconomic status : class sense 2a

The well-to-do WTUL [=Women's Trade Union League] volunteers who joined striking New York City shirtwaist workers in 1909 had used their elegant attire to convey the fact that no woman, whatever her social class, could ignore the hardships endured by clothing workers in America.

—Ellen Cain

Her research explores the use and abuse of diversity and inclusion policy as a form of reputation management, and how social class influences access to and career progression within 'elite' occupations.

—Queen Mary University of London

The eight women denied being witches, but Mary was believed. She was 18, pretty, educated and from a higher social class.

—Martina Devlin

Examples of social class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nor have systems of universal education for all social classes in all localities ever sprung up without a political process. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026

Researchers believe the jewelry may have belonged to a merchant from the Vaishya social class, one of the traditional social groups in ancient Indian society associated with trade, farming and commerce, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026

At the same time, research shows screen time use among children is tied to social class. — Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 19 June 2026

It was written by members of all social classes. — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social class

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