working-class

1 of 2

adjective

work·​ing-class ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas How to pronounce working-class (audio)
Synonyms of working-classnext
: of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners
working-class virtues
a working-class family

working class

2 of 2

noun

: the class of people who work for wages usually at manual labor

Examples of working-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The show has given Behar, a former stand-up comedian from working-class Williamsburg, an almost Forrest Gump–ian front-row seat to recent American history. — Brock Colyar, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 President Donald Trump‘s appearance in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday underlines the Mahoning Valley as a bellwether of whether Democrats can win back the white, working-class voters that have rapidly shifted away from the party in recent years. — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
Based on conversations with constituents from our district, this economy has gotten worse for working class families. — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 The film is an ensemble piece, following two married couples — one working class, the other wealthy — who cross paths during the production of a documentary. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for working-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working-class was in 1757

Rhymes for working-class

See All Rhymes for working-class

Browse Nearby Words

working circle
working-class
working class
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Working-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working-class. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

working class

noun
: the class of people who work for wages usually in manual labor
working-class adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on working-class

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