working-class

1 of 2

adjective

work·​ing-class ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas 

: 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

Adjective

Furthermore, placing this burden on co-op boards threatens the financial stability of entire building communities, risking maintenance fee hikes for working-class residents. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

The path of the pipeline, owned by Valero and Plains All American Pipeline, was intended to snake through Boxtown, a working-class Black community in South Memphis. — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

Based on conversations with constituents from our district, this economy has gotten worse for working class families. — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

The film is an ensemble piece, following two married couples — one working class, the other wealthy — who cross paths during the production of a documentary. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for working-class

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

Kids Definition

working class

noun

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

working-class adjective