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
Walmart's disappointing sales and Home Depot's strength among budget-conscious do-it-yourselfers indicate middle-class American consumers are growing more tight-fisted, even as wealthier shoppers have kept supporting luxury brands like Ralph Lauren. Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Prop 42 shields the asset forms billionaires hold, like business interests and financial control, while Prop 40 is the measure that funds Medi-Cal, the program that pays for long-term care when middle-class savings run out. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
Every one of them started out somewhere between lower middle and middle class. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 Those reforms led to huge reduction in poverty, an exploding middle class and a scramble by foreign companies to access the lucrative Chinese market. Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 12 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 27 Aug. 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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