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
Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And going after cabinet candidates for lacking elite academic or government bureaucratic credentials risks exacerbating the issue.
—Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 22 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
Increasingly, elite gamers are choosing keyboards fitted with switches like the Gateron Hall-Effect double-rail magnetic model which can provide faster feedback, dynamic rapid triggering and adjustable actuation points to suit any gaming style.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
And going after cabinet candidates for lacking elite academic or government bureaucratic credentials risks exacerbating the issue.
—Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 22 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 3 Dec. 2024.
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