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

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring a cast of relatively unknown Mexican actors, the black-and-white film follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a housekeeper for an upper-class family in the 1970s, where Cuarón himself grew up. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026

The play follows two upper-class wives who, left alone while their husbands are away, rekindle memories of past romances over drinks. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026

Noun

But Achane is in the upper class of running backs. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

But, by the beginning of the Gilded Age in America in the 1870s, the sartorial code became the upper class’s go-to for the opera, debutante balls, and any of the fancy-dress parties thrown by socialites of the day. —Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upper-class

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

Kids Definition

upper class

noun

: the highest class in society

upper-class adjective