aristocrat

American  

[uh-ris-tuh-krat, ar-uh-stuh-] / əˈrɪs təˌkræt, ˈær ə stə- /

noun

1. a member of an aristocracy, especially a noble.

   Synonyms:

   lord, peer, patrician

2. a person who has the tastes, manners, etc., characteristic of members of an aristocracy.

3. an advocate of an aristocratic form of government.

4. anything regarded as the best, most elegant, or most stylish of its kind.

   the aristocrat of California wines.

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aristocrat British  

/ ˈærɪstəˌkræt /

noun

1. a member of the aristocracy; a noble

2. a person who has the manners or qualities of a member of a privileged or superior class

3. a person who advocates aristocracy as a form of government

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Etymology

Origin of aristocrat

First recorded in 1770–80; from French aristocrate, back formation from aristocratie aristocracy

Example Sentences

How significant is it that Morès, like von Schönerer, was an aristocrat?

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

It's nearly 200 years since the birth of a British aristocrat who became the first Muslim member of the House of Lords.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

His accusation against a powerful aristocrat ends in Caleb fleeing for his life in disguise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Nike is nearing dividend aristocrat status, having raised its dividend annually since 2002, which could attract more investors.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Though he was raised by an impoverished working-class couple—his foster father was a glazier—it turns out that his birth father was a general and his mother was an aristocrat.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• noble