status symbol

American  

noun

1. an object, habit, etc., by which the social or economic status of the possessor may be judged.

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status symbol British  

noun

1. a possession which is regarded as proof of the owner's social position, wealth, prestige, etc

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status symbol Idioms  

1. A position or activity that allows one's social prestige to be displayed, as in She doesn't even drive; that car of hers is purely a status symbol. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

status symbol

The shoes were “the ultimate luxury footwear status symbol for high-end menswear and prep style during this era,” Vintage Fashion Guild member Maggie Muellner wrote in an email.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

For almost 40 years, a stamp of approval from Oprah Winfrey has been the ultimate status symbol, and a near-guarantee of commercial success — just ask Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

But would Liverpool be a status symbol or a true investment?

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

“I don’t have a pair, so I’m not important enough,” Mato confessed, seeming to confirm that Florsheims have become something of a status symbol inside the administration.

From Slate ● Jun. 5, 2026

Besides the practical value of someone to cook and clean, owning servants was a status symbol an ambitious young attorney needed to impress neighbors and legal clients.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis