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nobility
noun
no·bil·i·ty
nō-ˈbi-lə-tē
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
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
The clearest act of nobility among the crop of pardons that have been handed out came not from a leader but a 71-year-old retired drug and alcohol counselor from Boise, Idaho.
—Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Though a standard for the style set, the sleek option doubles as a wedding hairstyle fit for English nobility.
26.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
Born in 1929, the second daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten and the heiress Edwina Ashley, Lady Pamela knows her way around the architecture of nobility—and how to tightly shut the gates of hereditary reticence.
—Good Taste, airmail.news, 31 Aug. 2024
The space feels fresh, bright, and fun, without sacrificing an ounce of nobility.
—Joyce Onuorah, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nobility
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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
Dictionary Entries Near nobility
Cite this Entry
“Nobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nobility. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
nobility
noun
no·bil·i·ty
nō-ˈbil-ət-ē
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 English: Translation of nobility for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nobility
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