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

Columbia University researchers found in a 2005 study that children from upper-class families can exhibit elevated likelihoods of substance use, anxiety, and depression in part thanks to excessive pressures to achieve and isolation from parents. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026

Offering an incredibly detailed snapshot of upper-class life in Istanbul from the 1970s onwards, Pamuk has successfully created one of the most moving exhibitions to date—a real highlight of the city. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Noun

Newport, Rhode Island A go-to destination for the upper class during the Gilded Age, Newport is a classic New England destination with some truly gorgeous mansions that visitors can tour. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2026

Willem Dafoe costars as a former vampire nicknamed Elvis who leads a resistance against the greedy, capitalist vampire upper class — a good indication of the film’s campy tone. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 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