upper class

noun

1. a class of people above the middle class, having the highest social rank or standing based on wealth, family connections, and the like.

upper class

noun

1. the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy, esp the wealthy or the aristocracy

adjective

1. of or relating to the upper class

2. education of or relating to the junior or senior classes of a college or high school

Other Word Forms

• upper-class adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of upper class¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Related Words

• aristocracy 
• jet set 
• upper crust