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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
With blistering satirical slants and a steady mix of acidic jabs at middle-class life, Darko should be boffo among the teen and young adults segment as well as those viewers still plugged into a sophomoric self-identity. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 Heading into the first round, Flávio Bolsonaro was effectively able to make the case to working-class and middle-class voters that Lula’s economic policies were driving up living costs. — David Unsworth , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
As the merchant and middle classes expanded during the 18th century, mourning fashions once reserved for the upper classes became increasingly widespread. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 This acceleration in the redistribution of wealth from the middle class to the very top, in short, has an array of drivers. — Markus Schneider, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Middle-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-class. Accessed 28 Oct. 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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