1
a
singular or plural in construction
: the choice part : cream
the elite of the entertainment world
b
singular or plural in construction
: the best of a class
superachievers who dominate the computer elite—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
c
singular or plural in construction
: the socially superior part of society
how the French-speaking elite … was changing—Economist
Economist
d
: a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
members of the ruling elite
e
: a member of such an elite
—usually used in plural
the elites …, pursuing their studies in Europe—Robert Wernick
Robert Wernick2
: a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the linear inch
: of, relating to, serving, or being part of an elite
seeking to attain elite status
an elite group
an elite institution/school
often
: superior in quality, rank, skill, etc.
an elite performer
an elite athlete
an athlete with elite skills
The elite chess players of today are of no school. They hail from all over the world … —Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov Synonyms
Examples of elite in a Sentence
Noun
the winners of this science award represent the elite of our high schools
the country's elite owned or controlled most of the wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Unlike other, sycophantic portions of right-wing media, Kirk isn’t simply a hanger-on to the conservative elite.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Thanks to Daniels, the Commanders have an elite offense that ranks as one of the best in NFL history among those led by rookie QBs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elite 
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Noun
The elites, of course, include America’s biggest stars in movies, TV, sports and music.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Unlike other, sycophantic portions of right-wing media, Kirk isn’t simply a hanger-on to the conservative elite.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The results of this election seem to confirm the idea that, far from the aberration or fluke that many observers have portrayed him as being, Trump captures and reflects the American spirit, at this moment in history, far more accurately than his meritocratic, elite, Establishment foes.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Thanks to Daniels, the Commanders have an elite offense that ranks as one of the best in NFL history among those led by rookie QBs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elite
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Dictionary Entries Near elite
Cite this Entry
“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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