working-class

1 of 2

adjective

work·​ing-class ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas How to pronounce working-class (audio)
Synonyms of working-classnext
: 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
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
So, by the turn of the 20th century, summer camp expanded from the realm of boys in the woods to enrichment programs that included girls and working-class immigrant children, too. — Natalie Escobar, NPR, 25 June 2026 Poverty climbed and the city’s population dwindled, emptying rows of Victorian homes that had housed generations of working-class families. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Noun
This is about working class voters, working class, working class. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 How better for the billionaires to get the sympathy of working class fans? — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for working-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working-class was in 1757

Rhymes for working-class

See All Rhymes for working-class

Browse Nearby Words

working circle
working-class
working class
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

working class

noun
: the class of people who work for wages usually in manual labor
working-class adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on working-class

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for working-class

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