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

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.
Lagerbielke — or more accurately, the 11th Baron Lagerbielke — is a member of the Swedish nobility and lies 254th in line to the country’s throne. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Known as the Dragon Slayer, he’s often shown meditating, praying, waxing philosophical, and pontificating on nobility, integrity and honor. Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 His influence over the other Italian sovereigns and over the country clergy and nobility, none of whom would have been likely to adhere to the national movement without his example, was immense in 1846 and 1847. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026 The design once enjoyed by Javanese nobility references the sacred Javanese architectural vernacular style of saka guru, which represents the cardinal directions and has spiritual significance too. Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nobility. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster