aristocrat
noun
B. A. Botkin and Alvin F. Harlow
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
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
And the space truly was palatial—but think refined career aristocrat rather than louche despot.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
La Dolce Vita and the Minerva, which occupies the erstwhile palazzo of 17th-century aristocrats, debuted last April.
—Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
The aristocrat obliged and ordered the construction of the Duomo.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aristocrat
Cite this Entry
“Aristocrat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aristocrat. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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aristocrat
noun
