Definitions

middle class

[mid-l klas] / ˈmɪd l ˈklæs /

NOUN

neither the nobility nor laboring class

Synonyms

STRONG

bourgeois bourgeoisie burgherdom educated class middle order middle-income group

NOUN

an economic class perceived as average

Synonyms

STRONG

Middle America hoi polloi middle order middle-income group ordinary people plain folks proletariat working class

ADJECTIVE

characteristic of the middle class

Synonyms

WEAK

bourgeois conformist conventional ordinary square traditional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Most of the middle class is at 22% now,” said Craig Ferrantino, an adviser in Huntington, N.Y.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

L.A.’s declining share of a contracting film and television industry is hollowing out its middle class, a group Pratt rarely talks about when homelessness is not at issue.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Instead, the middle class is splintering along generational lines.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

It teaches us about rampant new demand from the Chinese middle class, and the long-hanging economic effects of the Vietnam War.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Banks, more confident about measuring risk, now extend credit to low- income families, so that owning a home or driving a new car is no longer evidence that someone is middle class.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

middle class

Example Sentences

Related Words