aristocrat

[ uh-ris-tuh-krat, ar-uh-stuh- ]

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.

aristocrat

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aristocrat¹

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

Example Sentences

“But, you know, obviously he's an old-fashioned British aristocrat,” Berry added.

From Salon

The only housemate who abstained from such contests is Laszlo Cravensworth, Matt Berry's comically pompous aristocrat who’d rather focus all his lust on his "lady wife" Nadja and other more noble hobbies.

From Salon

By the 1830s, elected officials such as James Henry Hammond could claim in the halls of Congress that American slavery retained the “advantages” of “the aristocracy of the old world,” adding that “slavery does indeed create an aristocracy — an aristocracy of talents, of virtue, of generosity and courage. In a slave country, every freeman is an aristocrat.”

From Salon

The Emmy-nominated actor, now back in London and dating British aristocrat Peregrine Pearson, also shared that motherhood had helped her shed her “depressed and anxious” side.

From Los Angeles Times

The aristocrat glares back from her photograph.

From BBC

Related Words

• noble