an object, habit, etc., by which the social or economic status of the possessor may be judged.
Examples from the web for status symbol
We view a car as a utilitarian thing and not a status symbol.
Originally, this special designated number was a desirable status symbol.
The quickest remedy, according to government talking heads, is to make toilets into a status symbol.
Within polygynous societies, multiple wives often become a status symbol denoting wealth and power.
It's a status symbol created by entertainment that is capitalized on by manufacturers and their distributors.
The personal private foundation has become the status symbol of wealth.
Normal people should wait for the next model, but it's a critical status symbol for the truly wired.
Championship rings serve as status symbol, career validation.
Among people of means, six-figure aquariums are the latest status symbol.
Superluxurious haberdashery is the latest status symbol for really big spenders.
British Dictionary definitions for status symbol
status symbol
noun
1.
a possession which is regarded as proof of the owner's social position, wealth, prestige, etc
Idioms and Phrases with status symbol
status symbol
A position or activity that allows one's social prestige to be displayed, as in She doesn't even drive; that car of hers is purely a status symbol. [ Mid-1900s ]