# wasp

/ˈwɑsp/ (US) · /wˈɒsp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wasp
Updated: 2026-07-19

## Definition

Stands for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. A person from a wealthy or powerful family who is white, Protestant, and has ancestors from northern Europe. It is often used to describe a specific social class in the United States.

For teachers: Abbreviation for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. Refers to a social group of white Americans with northern European ancestry and Protestant backgrounds. Often carries connotations of inherited wealth, social privilege, and historical political influence.

## Examples

- He grew up in a wealthy WASP family in New England.
- The novel explores the decline of the traditional WASP elite in American politics during the late twentieth century.

## Usage notes

- Usually written in all capitals as an acronym; can be used as a noun or as a modifier before another noun.

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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.