aristocrat

[uh-ris-tuh-krat, ar-uh-stuh-]

noun

1. a member of an aristocracy, especially a noble.

   Synonyms: lord, peer, patrician

2. a person who has the tastes, manners, etc., characteristic of members of an aristocracy.

3. an advocate of an aristocratic form of government.

4. anything regarded as the best, most elegant, or most stylish of its kind.

   the aristocrat of California wines.

aristocrat

/ ˈærɪstəˌkræt /

noun

1. a member of the aristocracy; a noble

2. a person who has the manners or qualities of a member of a privileged or superior class

3. a person who advocates aristocracy as a form of government

Word History and Origins

Origin of aristocrat¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from French aristocrate, back formation from aristocratie aristocracy

Example Sentences

The directors, called to an emergency meeting at the home of the chairman of the board of the American Steel Corp., have the haughty mien of British aristocrats.

From Los Angeles Times

“Mariana” is about the passion between a nun and an aristocrat, based on a 17th century volume of correspondence.

From Los Angeles Times

But even though he brought Hollywood glamor to the White House, no one perceived him to be an actual aristocrat.

From Salon

Timothy and Victoria aren’t aware that their sons have slipped into the type of libertine excess European aristocrats once indulged in.

From Salon

She characterized those years in her autobiography as: “Desultory intellectual chitchat, drugs, hip aristocrats, languid dilettantes and high naughtiness. I knew I was on my path!”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• noble