# gentry

/ˈdʒɛntɹi/ (US) · /dʒˈɛntɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gentry
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

people who belong to a high social class, usually because they own a lot of land. In the past, they were just below the level of royalty or noble titles.

For teachers: the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth; specifically, the class of landowners who do not possess titles. Often used in historical or sociological contexts to describe the landed elite.

## Examples

- The local gentry lived in large houses on the edge of town.
- During the eighteenth century, the landed gentry held significant political power in rural districts through their control of local courts.
- The novel explores the shifting social dynamics between the traditional country gentry and the rising class of industrial capitalists who sought to purchase their way into high society.

## Usage notes

- Usually takes a plural verb ('the gentry are') and is often preceded by the definite article 'the'.

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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.