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in-crowd

American  
[in-kroud] / ˈɪnˌkraʊd /
Or in crowd

noun

Informal.
  1. a small, exclusive group of people who are perceived as fashionable or influential.

    She desperately wanted to be part of the in-crowd.


Etymology

Origin of in-crowd

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s like being part of the in-crowd for many, except the only barrier to entry is a relatively low monthly fee and perhaps a propensity for movie theater popcorn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

In 1978’s “Grease,” she starred as the virginal Sandy Olsson, the new girl at Rydell High School circa 1959, taunted by the in-crowd for her shyness and prim apparel.

From Washington Post • Aug. 9, 2022

Hardly anyone feels like they’re in with the in-crowd.

From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2022

Looking back today, what Denise Bombardier recalls most about the exchange is the scathing reception she then got from the Paris literary in-crowd.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2020

She’s carved out a pretty devoted following as part of an in-crowd of fellow unabashedly awkward women like Ilana Glazer, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Erskine, and Quinta Brunson.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2019

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