Synonyms of middle-classnext
: of or relating to the middle class
especially : characterized by a high material standard of living, sexual morality, and respect for property
a typical middle-class family
traditional middle-class values

middle class

2 of 2

noun

: a class occupying a position between the upper class and the lower class
especially : a fluid heterogeneous socioeconomic grouping composed principally of business and professional people, bureaucrats, and some farmers and skilled workers sharing common social characteristics and values

Examples of middle-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
McGinley grew up in a middle-class Irish Catholic family in northern New Jersey, as the youngest of eight children. Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 These are people who were often previously drawing from public assistance, now on a career path leading them toward middle-class stability. Barb Clapp, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Noun
The middle class is getting hollowed out. Chris Willman, Variety, 25 June 2026 But porters were able to supplement their wages with tips, which helped propel their families toward the middle class. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for middle-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle-class was in 1745

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Cite this Entry

“Middle-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-class. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

middle class

noun
: a social class that occupies a position between the upper class and the lower class and is composed mainly of business and professional people, government officials, farmers, and skilled workers
middle-class adjective

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