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class

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noun

/klɑːs/

singular	class
plural	classes

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Am/Br differences

1
[countable] one of the groups into which people in a society are divided according to their family background, education, job, or income
He appealed to people of all classes.
Craftsmen of the period clearly belonged to a lower-middle class.
a social class:
The proposal would unite women of all social classes.
the ruling classes:
The members of the ruling classes have always been envied.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
1. a.
  [uncountable] the existence of differences that cause people to be divided into different social groups
  social class:
  the relationship between social class and educational achievement
  a class system:
  A rigid class system still prevails throughout the country.
  class differences:
  a community with marked class differences
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
See also chattering classes
2
[countable] a group of students who are taught together: can be followed by a singular or plural verb
What class is Sophie in now?
Weren't you two in the same class at school?
My class are all going – why can't I?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
1. a.
  [countable/uncountable] a period of time during which a group of students is taught together
  I've got classes all afternoon.
  in class:
  We had to write an essay in class.
  a French/maths/science etc class:
  I've got a French class first thing this morning.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
2. b.
  [countable] a course of lessons in a particular subject
  I go to my art class on Mondays.
  You could join an exercise class at your local sports centre.
  take a class in something (=study it):
  I've started taking classes in car maintenance.
  teach a class:
  Since qualifying in 1986, she has taught regular classes for adults.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
3. c.
  [countable] [usually singular] mainly American a group of people who finish a course of study together in the same year
  He attended his class reunion at Cornell University.
  the class of '64/'81/1995 etc:
  He graduated in the class of '87.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
Usage note: class
In British English, class can be used with a singular or plural verb. You can say Her class has a new teacher or Her class have a new teacher.
3
[countable] a group of things, animals, or people with similar features or qualities
class of:
regulations for lower emissions limits for certain classes of vehicles
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
4
[countable] one of the standards of service available to someone travelling by train, plane etc
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
5
[countable] British one of the levels that a university degree qualification is divided into according to how well you do in your final examinations. These are first class, second class, and third class.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
6
[countable] one of the groups into which people are divided in a competition
Andrews won his class by a massive 10-minute margin.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
7
[uncountable] informal impressive natural style, ability, or skill that someone has
I'll say this much for him: he's got class.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class

phrases

Class A/B/C etc
used for showing which group something belongs to, according to how much of a particular quality or feature it has
Class A carrots (=the best carrots)
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
be in a class of your/its own
to be much better than anyone or anything else
When it comes to exciting cities, New York is in a class of its own.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
be in a different class (from)
if a person or thing is in a different class from someone or something else, one is much better than the other
He was clearly in a different class from all the other athletes.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class
not be in the same class (as)
if two people or things are not in the same class, one is much better than the other
It's quite a funny show, but it's not in the same class as 'The Office'.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of class

Am/Br differences: class

Differences between British and American English: class

In both the UK and the US, a class is usually a group of students who are learning together: Jill and I were in the same class at primary school. You can also (especially in the US) use class to mean a group of students who all completed their studies in a particular year: Tim was in the class of 2005. Class can also mean a series of lessons in a particular subject: She's taking a class in business administration. The usual British word for this is course: a course in business administration. Class can also mean one of the periods in the school day when a group of students are taught: What time is your next class? British speakers also use lesson for this meaning, but American speakers do not.

This is the British English definition of class. View American English definition of class.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for class.

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class

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phrases

Class A/B/C etc

be in a class of your/its own

be in a different class (from)

not be in the same class (as)

cyberloafing

Word of the Day

dark matter

show a bit of ankle