affluence

noun

af·​flu·​ence ˈa-(ˌ)flü-ən(t)s How to pronounce affluence (audio)
also
a-ˈflü- How to pronounce affluence (audio)
 or  ə-
1
a
: abundance of property : wealth
rose from poverty to affluence
b
: an abundant flow or supply : profusion
… to attain that breadth and height, that wealth of muscle, that affluence of flesh.Charlotte Brontë
2
: a flowing to or toward a point : influx

Did you know?

What is the origin of affluence?

Affluence comes from the Latin verb affluere, "to flow abundantly". Thus, someone or something blessed with affluence has received an incoming flood of riches. Since the affluent residents of suburbs often work in the central city but pay taxes back home, the wealth of some metropolitan areas tends to flow in one direction—out.

Examples of affluence in a Sentence

this affluence of new students is straining an already crowded school system
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite the area’s affluence, the district has faced ongoing budgetary struggles, including contentious negotiations over teacher pay raises. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 At that point, all of the affluence, urbanity and privilege in the world wasn’t much good. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 The family's affluence allowed Luigi to attend Baltimore's Gilman School, a private K-12 school with tuition costing around $40,000 per year. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, India will continue to grow as a key emerging market, spurred by rising affluence and a growing appetite for luxury goods. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for affluence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "abundance, profusion," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin affluentia, noun derivative of affluent-, affluens affluent entry 1 — more at -ence

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of affluence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near affluence

Cite this Entry

“Affluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affluence. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

affluence

noun
af·​flu·​ence ˈaf-ˌlü-ən(t)s How to pronounce affluence (audio)
also
a-ˈflü- How to pronounce affluence (audio)
ə-ˈflü-
: the state of having much wealth or property

More from Merriam-Webster on affluence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!