( often used with a plural verb ) the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.

( used with a plural verb ) persons of the highest class

Only the elite were there.

a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group

the power elite of a major political party.

a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch. Compare pica 1 .

representing the most choice or select; best

an elite group of authors.

adjective

common , low-class , lower , lower-class , ordinary , poor , worst

noun

commonality , lower class , low-life , ordinary

adjective

aristocratic , choice , cool * , crack * , elect , exclusive , gilt-edged , greatest , noble , out of sight , out of this world , pick , selected , super , tip-top , top , top drawer , topflight , top-notch , upper-class , world-class , blue-blooded , highborn , highbred , patrician , thoroughbred , wellborn , best , cream , select , superior

noun

aristocracy , beautiful people * , best , blue blood , carriage trade , celebrity , choice , country club set , cream , crme de la crme , crowd , elect , establishment , fast lane * , fat * , flower , gentility , gentry , glitterati , high society * , in-crowd , jet-set , main line , nobility , old money , optimacy , pride , prime , prize , quality , select , society , top , upper class , upper crust , patriciate , who\'s who , pick , aristocrat , bluestocking , creme , magnifico , ne plus ultra , royalty , superior , topflight , wealthy