gentry: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈdʒɛntri/·JEN-tree

Gentry (noun) means people of a high social class, especially landowners just below the nobility.

What does “gentry” mean?

  1. 1

    nounpeople of a high social class, especially landowners just below the nobility

    The house was built for a member of the local gentry.

Gentry at a glance

Part of speech
noun
CEFR level
C2 (proficient)
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛntri/ · JEN-tree

How to use “gentry” correctly

Mostly historical. Related word “gentrification” (richer people moving into a poor area) is very common today.

Common phrases with “gentry”

  • the landed gentry
  • the local gentry

Synonyms (similar meaning)

  • upper class
  • aristocracy
  • elite

Word family

  • gentrify
  • gentrification
  • gentle
  • gentleman

“gentry” is on these word lists

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