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

When the Song dynasty took over China in the late 10th century, the feudal system that gave aristocrats control of land and peasants in return for military service was breaking down.

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First is the palace; next is a mysterious aristocrat known only as the Griffin Warrior; then comes exploration of beehive-shaped burial mounds; and, finally, artistic production in provinces around Pylos.

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The directors, called to an emergency meeting at the home of the chairman of the board of the American Steel Corp., have the haughty mien of British aristocrats.

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“Mariana” is about the passion between a nun and an aristocrat, based on a 17th century volume of correspondence.

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But even though he brought Hollywood glamor to the White House, no one perceived him to be an actual aristocrat.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• noble