Meaning & use

aristocracy

noun·Academic

A class of people holding hereditary titles and high social rank, often with political power.

See it in a sentence

The aristocracy once controlled most of the nation's land and political influence.

Members of the aristocracy were expected to follow strict codes of etiquette and duty.

A note on using this word

Aristocracy can refer to the hereditary noble class itself or, more broadly, to any group seen as an elite ruling minority.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

commoners

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