What does moneyed mean?
Moneyed is a formal adjective meaning wealthy, or possessing a significant amount of money. It is often used when the focus is not simply on an individual’s prosperity but on wealth as a social force: one can speak of the moneyed, moneyed classes, or moneyed interests. The word can carry a slightly critical or sociological tone, especially when it refers to a privileged group whose interests may differ from those of people with fewer resources. In less formal writing, rich, wealthy, or affluent are generally more common. Moneyed also has a relatively uncommon collective noun use, as in "the moneyed," meaning wealthy people as a group. Its adjective sense is well established in British and American English, and the word is particularly useful when describing background, social class, or the concentration of financial power.
Having or possessing money, especially a substantial amount; wealthy.
"The organization provides educational opportunities for underprivileged families and moneyed donors alike."
Common in formal, literary, and social commentary. It may sound somewhat old-fashioned in ordinary conversation.
Wealthy people considered collectively.
"The policy was designed to benefit workers, but critics said it primarily favored the moneyed."
Usually used in the phrase "the moneyed" and now somewhat dated; chiefly used in political, historical, or literary contexts.
Moneyed can describe both individuals and the powerful social group that wealth is often said to shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moneyed come from?
The adjective moneyed was formed in Middle English from money plus the suffix -ed, originally indicating the possession of money. The base word money comes from Old French monie, which in turn derives from Latin moneta, associated with minting and coinage. The related form monetary was developed later from the same Latin foundation, while monetise and its variants came to mean to convert something into money or make it commercially profitable.
Related word forms
How moneyed is actually used
In modern use, moneyed is especially common in formal, literary, or social-commentary contexts. The noun use, usually in the form "the moneyed," is dated but still occurs in political and historical writing.
Easily confused with moneyed
Moneyed means wealthy or possessing substantial resources, whereas moneyless means having no money.
Moneyed describes wealth already possessed, while money-making refers to the activity or process of earning money.