working-class

1 of 2

adjective

work·​ing-class ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas How to pronounce working-class (audio)
Synonyms of working-classnext
: of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners
working-class virtues
a working-class family

working class

2 of 2

noun

: the class of people who work for wages usually at manual labor

Examples of working-class 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.
Adjective
In a perhaps too on-the-nose example, Obama’s Presidential Center, currently under construction in Chicago, is set to displace a community of working-class Black people. Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025 Vance once embodied that message—upward mobility, personal resilience and working-class roots. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
But in the 1910s, the architect wanted to make his designs more accessible to working class and middle class homebuyers. Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025 Currently, 19% of members are from working class backgrounds, with 21% of all new members joining since 2020 identifying in this group. Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for working-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working-class was in 1757

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Working-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working-class. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

working class

noun
: the class of people who work for wages usually in manual labor
working-class adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on working-class

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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