nobility

noun

no·​bil·​i·​ty nō-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce nobility (audio)
Synonyms of nobilitynext
1
: the quality or state of being noble in character, quality, or rank
2
: the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state : aristocracy

Synonyms of nobility

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Examples of nobility in a Sentence

the nobility of his character They have shown great courage and nobility of purpose.
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.
The Korean nobility of bygone eras simply had better taste. — Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 This quiet movie still packs a mighty punch—a timeless lesson in the power of empathy and nobility to melt seemingly insurmountable differences. — Time, 10 June 2026 Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old center back, comes from a line of nobility, particularly Counts, in his home country. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Despite her lot in life, Sophie is highly educated, speaks fluent French and carries herself with dignified nobility. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nobility

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nobilite, from Anglo-French nobilité, from Latin nobilitat-, nobilitas, from nobilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nobility was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing nobility

Rhymes for nobility

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Browse Nearby Words

nobilitate
nobility
nobiscum Deus
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

nobility

noun
no·​bil·​i·​ty nō-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce nobility (audio)
plural nobilities
1
: the quality or state of being noble
nobility of character
2
: the body of persons forming the noble class in a country or state
a member of the nobility

More from Merriam-Webster on nobility

Nglish: Translation of nobility for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nobility

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