Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Proletariat /prō'lĭ-târʹē-ət/ · Prol·e·ta·ri·at · IPA /ˌpɹoʊ.lɪˈtɛɚ.i.ət/ 01 n. The indigent class in the State; the body of proletarians. 1. The indigent class in the State; the body of proletarians.