Elite describes a small group of people considered the best, most skilled, or most powerful in a particular area. Elite athletes compete at the Olympics. Elite musicians perform in the world's great concert halls. An elite military unit receives the toughest training and handles the most difficult missions.

It captures the idea that these people or things stand out from everyone else through exceptional ability, achievement, or influence. A school might have an elite debate team that wins national competitions. A hospital might have elite surgeons who handle the most complex cases.

Elite can describe things as well as people: elite schools, elite restaurants, elite products. Sometimes the word carries a hint of exclusivity: elite groups are small by definition, and not everyone can join. When people talk about “the elite” as a group, they often mean wealthy or powerful people who influence important decisions.

The word isn't always positive. Sometimes people use it negatively to suggest that a group thinks it's better than everyone else. But in sports, academics, or specialized skills, being elite usually means you've worked incredibly hard to reach the highest level of your field. An elite gymnast didn't just get lucky: she trained for thousands of hours to master skills most people can't even attempt.