upper class

noun

1. a class of people above the middle class, having the highest social rank or standing based on wealth, family connections, and the like.

upper class

noun

1. the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy, esp the wealthy or the aristocracy

adjective

1. of or relating to the upper class
2. education of or relating to the junior or senior classes of a college or high school

Other Words From

• upper-class adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of upper class¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“The rich and the upper class will always find a way. They will hire their own security,” the North Hollywood resident said.

From Los Angeles Times

What personal finance advice gets wrong is that it only works for certain people, such as the upper classes who have any discretionary income in the first place.

From Salon

That background and growing up with white working class people have given me great insight into Trump and his appeal that many of my colleagues from more upper class, if not rich white, backgrounds lack.

From Salon

"Tariffs are a tax that are shouldered more by middle and working class families than they are by upper class families," he said.

From Salon

Through the centuries, the unisex garment evolved from an underlayer for the upper class to become outerwear, sashed with an obi but featuring smaller sleeves that aided physical activity — helpful for the samurai warriors.

From Los Angeles Times