work·ing-class
ˈwər-kiŋ-ˈklas 
: of, relating to, deriving from, or suitable to the class of wage earners
working-class virtues
a working-class family
: the class of people who work for wages usually at manual labor
Examples of working-class in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Turek highlighted his working-class background and contrasted his work for a nonprofit with Wahls’ work for a super PAC focused on electing young Democrats.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
In San Isidro, a movement was born Castillo and Otero grew up in San Isidro, a working class, hardscrabble neighborhood abutting the wharfs near the Port of Havana, and became friends – one a rapper, the other a visual artist.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for working-class
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
Rayner is a favorite of members who think the party has strayed too far from its working-class roots and those who want the party to do more to boost the minimum wage and raise taxes on the rich.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Turek highlighted his working-class background and contrasted his work for a nonprofit with Wahls’ work for a super PAC focused on electing young Democrats.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
Noun
The third season, Devil In Silver, is based on the book by Victor LaValle, about a working class man mistakenly committed to a psychiatric hospital where things get very, very dark.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
In San Isidro, a movement was born Castillo and Otero grew up in San Isidro, a working class, hardscrabble neighborhood abutting the wharfs near the Port of Havana, and became friends – one a rapper, the other a visual artist.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for working-class
Cite this Entry
“Working-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working-class. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
