aristocrat
noun
Southern Living
Did you know?
Since aristos means "best" in Greek, ancient Greeks such as Plato and Aristotle used the word aristocracy to mean a system of rule by the best people—that is, those who deserved to rule because of their intelligence and moral excellence. But this kind of "best" soon became something you could inherit from your parents. The United States has no formal aristocracy—no noble titles such as baron or marquis that stay in the family—but certain American families have achieved an almost aristocratic status because of the wealth they've held onto for generations.
Examples of aristocrat in a Sentence
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 July 2025
This novel, the first in a trilogy, pokes gentle fun at the aristocrat and all her unruly impulses.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
The remains of an Ancient Roman aristocrat, for example, were found within city limits in 2023.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
In the early 1900s, the center of Cairo was the cultural heart of the city, with an opera house, gardens and elegant hotels such as the Grand Continental and the Shepheard, which catered to royals, aristocrats and the wealthy.
—Kathleen Beckett, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for aristocrat
Cite this Entry
“Aristocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aristocrat. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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aristocrat
noun
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