ennoble

verb

en·​no·​ble i-ˈnō-bəl How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
ennobled; ennobling i-ˈnō-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
Synonyms of ennoblenext

transitive verb

1
: to make noble : elevate
seemed ennobled by suffering
2
: to raise to the rank of nobility
ennoblement
i-ˈnō-bəl-mənt How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
noun

Synonyms of ennoble

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Examples of ennoble in a Sentence

a life ennobled by suffering Her skill and talent ennoble her profession. He was ennobled by the queen.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Teeth or Pants, the show has a way of both laughing at and ennobling its own failures. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025 Work for human beings, then, is necessary and even ennobling. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025 Mary Kay could have no doubt that selling was an ennobling endeavor, since God Himself seemed to be endorsing it. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 The Fitzgerald settlement ennobles neither side. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ennoble

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ennobelen, from Middle French ennoblir, from Old French, from en- + noble noble

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ennoble was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ennoble

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Browse Nearby Words

Enniskillen
ennoble
ennoblement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ennoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ennoble. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ennoble

verb
en·​no·​ble in-ˈō-bəl How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
ennobled; ennobling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
1
: to make noble : elevate
seemed ennobled by his hardship
2
: to raise to the rank of nobility
ennoblement
-bəl-mənt How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ennoble

Nglish: Translation of ennoble for Spanish Speakers

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