posh
Posh (adj) means Associated with wealth or the upper classes; stylish and expensive. Example: “They booked a table at a posh restaurant downtown.”
How to Use Posh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUpper-class, stylish, or expensive — mainly British usage.
The "port out, starboard home" origin story is a well-known myth — don't repeat it as fact.
Very common in British English; Americans would more often say "fancy" or "upscale."
Word Forms
posher comparative, more posh comparative, poshed past tense, poshes plural, poshes plural, poshes singular, poshest superlative, most posh superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
They booked a table at a _____ restaurant downtown.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely from Romani posh ("half"), possibly via slang for money like "half a crown." The popular idea that it stands for "port out, starboard home" is a myth with no real evidence.
Rhymes for posh
See all rhymes for posh →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “posh” mean?
The word “posh” means associated with wealth or the upper classes; stylish and expensive. In plain terms, upper-class, stylish, or expensive — mainly British usage.
How do you pronounce “posh”?
“Posh” is pronounced posh (/pɑʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “posh” in a sentence?
Here is “posh” used in a sentence: “They booked a table at a posh restaurant downtown.”
What part of speech is “posh”?
“Posh” is an adjective.
Is “posh” a common word?
“Posh” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “posh” have?
“Posh” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: associated with wealth or the upper classes; stylish and expensive.