Well born Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Social Class Refers to a person's upper-class social status by birth, indicating prestige and respect. Despite his wealth, his peers knew he wasn't well born. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage Often used in historical or period contexts to describe nobility or gentry. In the novel, the well born lady had many suitors. Pro Tip 3/3Not Merit-Based Implies privilege from birth, not earned through one's own achievements or actions. He may be well born, but he lacks the commoner's work ethic.