upper class

American  

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 British  

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 Word Forms

Derived Forms

• upper-class
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of upper class

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Poor people are as bad off as in the special period, but a segment of middle and upper class have access to dollars and are not in such bad shape, which causes real social tension.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

A quick peek into butter’s rich history reveals that the humble dairy product was once a luxury reserved for the upper class.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

“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 • Nov. 1, 2024

Two of the central narrators in the book - millionaire Anthony Wistern and his wife Olivia - are in constant conflict, with Anthony's working-class upbringing often clashing with Olivia's upper class roots.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

I intend to make myself necessary to the Derby family, while learning how the upper class lives.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• aristocracy
• jet set
• upper crust