upper-class

1 of 2

adjective

up·​per-class ˌə-pər-ˈklas 

-ˈkläs

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the highest social class in a society

upper class

2 of 2

noun

: a social class occupying a position above the middle class and having the highest status in a society

Synonyms of upper-class

Adjective

• aristocratic

Noun

• aristocracy
• nobility
• upper crust
• gentry

Examples of upper-class in a Sentence

Adjective

upper-class boys who had an entrenched sense of entitlement

Noun

a popular pastime among the upper classes

a member of the upper class

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In general, upper-class families were seen as responsible for protecting their servants from both physical illness and moral corruption. — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026

Middle and upper-class people would have wanted special implements for drinking these beverages and a place to drink it. — James Doubek, NPR, 3 July 2026

Noun

Since February, archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry, pottery and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people or members of the society’s upper classes. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

The discovery was made among human bones at a burial site that researchers believe was used for members of the society’s upper classes. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upper-class

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

Kids Definition

upper class

noun

: the highest class in society

upper-class adjective