class

I UK [klɑːs] / US [klæs] noun
Word forms "class":
singular class plural classes
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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.

1)

a) [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.

b) [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

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See:

the 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?

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.

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.

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.

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Usage note:
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

4) [countable] one of the standards of service available to someone travelling by train, plane etc

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.

6) [countable] one of the groups into which people are divided in a competition

Andrews won his class by a massive 10-minute margin.

7) [uncountable] informal impressive natural style, ability, or skill that someone has

I'll say this much for him: he's got class.

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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)

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.

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.

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".

II UK [klɑːs] / US [klæs] verb [transitive, often passive]
Word forms "class":
present tense I/you/we/they class he/she/it classes present participle classing past tense classed past participle classed

to include someone or something in a particular group because they have similar features or qualities

be classed as something:

She is now classed as a professional athlete.

be classed with/among someone/something:

Wilfred Owen is classed with the truly great First World War poets.

III UK [klɑːs] / US [klæs] adjective [usually before noun] British informal

extremely good

a class player