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
Jamie Barton, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
His memoir illustrated some of the working class frustrations that led to Trump's first victory in 2016, and laid the groundwork for issues that would become central to his politics today – criticism of foreign intervention, free trade policies and betrayal by America’s elites.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 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
Guardiola has won a remarkable 18 trophies – including a historic treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2023 – during his tenure, overseeing the club’s transition from wealthy challenger to part of soccer’s elite.
—Jamie Barton, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
His memoir illustrated some of the working class frustrations that led to Trump's first victory in 2016, and laid the groundwork for issues that would become central to his politics today – criticism of foreign intervention, free trade policies and betrayal by America’s elites.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 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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Cite this Entry
“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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