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.
Legal recognition of the country’s nobility stopped in 1946 and for aristocrats such as Princess Giacinta Ruspoli, upkeep of the family’s ancestral homes doesn’t come cheap. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Thomas Jefferson is believed to have loved these wines and today they are enjoyed by Italian nobility and discerning wine lovers the world over. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 To Reynolds, Mai was an embodiment of the universal nobility of humanity – a far cry from Westminster Magazine’s depiction of the islander as no more than a cheap amusement. — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 What remained were totems and symbols that were somehow infused with nobility. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nobility

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