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.

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Etymology

Origin of in-crowd

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Typically, this is when Hollywood holds its most glitzy parties and nominee luncheons for the in-crowd, while a slew of sprawling awards shows dot the calendar almost every weekend until the Oscars ceremony in March.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2025

Shopping at Erewhon and buying Kin makes you a part of a certain in-crowd, and people are seeking belonging.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2024

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

And, for poignancy’s sake, she features a couple of new-money in-crowd wannabes who wound up losing their life savings to Cotten’s company, Quadriga CX.

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2021

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

Related Words

• aristocracy
• celebrity
• establishment
• society