elite

or é·lite

[ ih-leet, ey-leet ]
/ ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit /

noun

(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 pica1.

adjective

representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.

Origin of elite

1350–1400; Middle English elit a person elected to office < Middle French e(s)lit past participle of e(s)lire to choose; see elect

OTHER WORDS FROM elite

an·ti·e·lite, noun, adjective non·e·lite, noun su·per·e·lite, noun

Words nearby elite

Example sentences from the Web for elite

British Dictionary definitions for elite

elite

lite

/ (ɪˈliːt, eɪ-) /

noun

(sometimes functioning as plural) the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc
Also called: twelve pitch a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch

adjective

of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive

Word Origin for elite

C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin ēligere to elect