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

On the campaign trail, Becerra has emphasized his working-class roots as the son of a union construction worker, and of parents who grew up in Mexico. — Ben Paviour august 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Espi was born into a working-class family with no connection to football, 40 kilometres from Valencia, in the neighbouring municipality of Tavernes de Valldigna. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Noun

Did the party go too far left and alienate working class voters? — David Weigel, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Talarico aims to crack down on data centers and establish an artificial intelligence dividend so working class people will have a share in the booming industry. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 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