upper class

American  

noun

• upper classes
  plural

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• upper classes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of upper class

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

upper class

It used to be a bicameral legislature, and it gave these upper class of states veto power over legislation.

From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026

Some 86% of people who call themselves upper class or upper-middle class say they lack confidence that life for their children will be better than theirs has been.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

"It can feel like you have to be middle to upper class to understand it - but Ballet Nights has made it extremely accessible for everyone."

From BBC ● Mar. 7, 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

The As overwhelmingly came from the middle and the upper class.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• aristocracy
• jet set
• upper crust