# bourgeoisie

/ˌbʊɹʒˌwɑˈzi/ (US) · /bˌɔːʒwɑːzˈiː/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bourgeoisie
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the middle class in a society, especially people who own businesses or property. In history and politics, it often describes people who care a lot about money and social status.

For teachers: the social order dominated by the middle class, particularly those who own the means of production in a capitalist society. Often carries a pejorative connotation in Marxist theory or social criticism, implying a preoccupation with material interests and conventional respectability.

## Examples

- The local bourgeoisie supported the new tax laws to protect their businesses.
- Nineteenth-century novels often explored the tension between the rising bourgeoisie and the traditional landed aristocracy.
- Marxist theory posits that the bourgeoisie inevitably exploits the proletariat by extracting surplus value from their labor, a dynamic that eventually leads to class conflict and social revolution.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The bourgeoisies are wealthy." but "The bourgeoisie is wealthy." — Bourgeoisie is a collective noun and is typically uncountable; use 'bourgeois' to refer to an individual person.

## Usage notes

- Usually takes a singular verb as a collective noun, though it can take a plural verb in British English when referring to the individual members.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.