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 WebEmma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 June 2024
Broward’s champions All hail Broward County, the very proud home of hockey’s elite, joining the champion Dolphins (Super Bowls in 1973 and 1974), Heat (2006, 2012, and 2013), and Marlins (1997 and 2003).
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2024
Nectar Gan, CNN, 27 June 2024
While the number of students has decreased in recent years, America’s elite educational institutions have expanded dramatically the number of administrative positions unconnected to any actual teaching.
—Lauren Noble, National Review, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for elite 
Noun
While many of these homes were demolished in the 1920s, this opulent home has remained largely intact and reflects a time when the world’s industrial elite spared no expense in the design and embellishment of their homes.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 June 2024
Broward’s champions All hail Broward County, the very proud home of hockey’s elite, joining the champion Dolphins (Super Bowls in 1973 and 1974), Heat (2006, 2012, and 2013), and Marlins (1997 and 2003).
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2024
Adjective
Li’s mysterious disappearance and drastic ouster just months into his job fueled intense speculation, coming after the surprise sacking of two top generals of the PLA Rocket Force, an elite unit overseeing the China’s nuclear and ballistic missiles, also without explanation.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 27 June 2024
While the number of students has decreased in recent years, America’s elite educational institutions have expanded dramatically the number of administrative positions unconnected to any actual teaching.
—Lauren Noble, National Review, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for elite
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Elite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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