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

People talking about the appeal of democratic socialism talk about the language of affordability and the difficulties of working-class people. — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Pelphrey believes Ingelsby is doing a great service by not shying away from the financial challenges of working-class people. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Noun

And that’s just not a pairing that really attracts working class people. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

And right now the -- a lot of the worst politicians right now are sitting up on high in Oval Office rooms, detached from the feelings of working class people. — ABC News, 23 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