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

The blocus is one of the first major student movements to have originated in the racially diverse, historically working-class suburbs. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

This is despite the City of London’s socio-economic diversity taskforce setting a target for half of senior leaders to come from working-class or non-professional backgrounds by 2030. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Noun

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

Matsui has leaned on her experience and cited a record of delivering resources to the region, while Vang has called for new leadership and emphasized working class families. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 22 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