elite 
/ɪˈli:t/ noun
plural elites /ɪˈli:t/ noun [count] 1 : the people who have the most wealth and status in a society : the most successful or powerful group of people — usually singular ▪ a store that caters to the (social) elite ▪ the intellectual/political/academic elite ◊Elite can be used with either a singular or, more commonly, a plural verb.
▪ The country's elite is/are opposed to the new ruler. 2 US : a person who is a member of an elite : a successful and powerful person — usually plural ▪ Many business elites oppose the new policy.
▪ The country's elite is/are opposed to the new ruler.
— elite adjective always used before a noun [more elite; most elite]
▪ elite members of the division ▪ an elite corps/club/university
▪ elite members of the division ▪ an elite corps/club/university
