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

Film productions employ electricians, carpenters, caterers, truck drivers, hotel workers, and countless other working-class Americans. — Sam Roseme, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Both of them worked their way from working-class realities into the upper class. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

But doubling down on defensive moderate talking points and ignoring a disillusioned working class are no longer winnable strategies. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Sexualizing black women and casually mocking working class women is not accepted anymore. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 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