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
Frey grew up near Detroit, a comfortably middle-class kid obsessed with Jack Kerouac and his city’s soul hit factory. Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 For most middle-class families, the estate is not a portfolio. Jon Sabes, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
That approach has led him to bet on sectors from defense to life sciences, and trends like the growth of India’s middle class. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 He has been targeted for appearing to concede that the middle class, or those earning under $1 million, will also face higher taxes to finance his progressive healthcare model. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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