English · Culture & Society
middle class
/ˌmɪd.əl ˈklɑːs/
[/ˌmɪd.əl ˈklɑːs/]
social group between rich and poor
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The social group between the working class and the wealthy, typically including professionals and business people. It is often linked to comfort and stability.
Example
A growing middle class can afford better housing, education, and holidays than their parents could.
A growing middle class can afford better housing, education, and holidays than their parents could.
Etymology
A compound of 'middle' and 'class', emerging in the 18th and 19th centuries with industrial society.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in economics, sociology, and political discussion.