social climber

noun

: one who attempts to gain a higher social position or acceptance in fashionable society
social climbing noun

Examples of social climber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The actress was best known for her role as snobby social climber Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, the BBC comedy that ran for five seasons between 1990 and 1995. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 British star Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as social climber Hyacinth Bucket in sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Is Cherry a scheming social climber? Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025 Because, my goodness, they’re set out on so much land — each the personal playgrounds of ambitious chefs and nouveau-riche social climbers, reveling in the Custom of the Country. Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for social climber

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social climber was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Social climber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20climber. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

social climber

noun
: one who attempts to gain a higher social position or be accepted in fashionable society

More from Merriam-Webster on social climber

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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