upper class

American  

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.

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upper class British  

noun

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

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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

Derived Forms

• upper-class
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of upper class

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Poor people are as bad off as in the special period, but a segment of middle and upper class have access to dollars and are not in such bad shape, which causes real social tension.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

A quick peek into butter’s rich history reveals that the humble dairy product was once a luxury reserved for the upper class.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

Two of the central narrators in the book - millionaire Anthony Wistern and his wife Olivia - are in constant conflict, with Anthony's working-class upbringing often clashing with Olivia's upper class roots.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

Through the centuries, the unisex garment evolved from an underlayer for the upper class to become outerwear, sashed with an obi but featuring smaller sleeves that aided physical activity — helpful for the samurai warriors.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2024

Austin taught Fuller to take on the upper class in the black community with the same zeal and uncompromising spirit that he used in confronting the white power structure.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• aristocracy
• jet set
• upper crust