upper-class

1 of 2

adjective

up·​per-class ˌə-pər-ˈklas How to pronounce upper-class (audio)
-ˈkläs
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper class

upper class

2 of 2

noun

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

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
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.
Adjective
That approach extends to how The Waterfront positions the town’s minority residents to scratch the façade of this mostly white, upper-class community. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 2025 Many middle- and upper-class Iranians were headed to the Caspian Sea, a popular getaway spot. Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
These opulent textiles have long been woven into the fabric of upper class living. Sarah Wood González, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2025 Pandering to the desires of the upper class, MAHA pushes products and services that are out of reach for the average American. Aron Solomon, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for upper-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper-class was in 1814

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Upper-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper-class. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

upper class

noun
: the highest class in society
upper-class adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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