elite
or é·lite
[ ih-leet, ey-leet ]
/ ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit /
noun
(often used with a plural verb) the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.
(used with a plural verb) persons of the highest class: Only the elite were there.
a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group: the power elite of a major political party.
a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch.Compare pica1.
adjective
representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.
Words nearby elite
Origin of elite
1350–1400; Middle English elit a person elected to office < Middle French e(s)lit past participle of e(s)lire to choose; see elect
OTHER WORDS FROM elite
an·ti·e·lite, noun, adjectivenon·e·lite, nounsu·per·e·lite, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for elite
British Dictionary definitions for elite
elite
lite
/ (ɪˈliːt, eɪ-) /
noun
(sometimes functioning as plural) the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc
Also called: twelve pitch a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch
adjective
of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive
Word Origin for elite
C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin ēligere to elect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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