morale

noun

mo·​rale mə-ˈral 

1

: moral principles, teachings, or conduct

2

a

: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand

The team's morale is high.

b

: a sense of common purpose with respect to a group : esprit de corps

The ship's morale improved after two days of shore leave.

3

: the level of individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose and confidence in the future

The failure of his play did not affect his morale.

Examples of morale in a Sentence

The team is playing well and their morale is high.

The President's speech boosted the morale of the troops.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to some accounts, the English saw the Dutch drinking genever to boost morale during the Thirty Years’ War and brought gin making to their home country. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026

Musk’s resignation boosted morale, Altman added. —Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

Our understanding right now is that the morale has improved because the ship is moving and plans are being made to get them safely to shore and for their onward journey home. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 7 May 2026

But the flesh-and-blood workers they’re meant to assist – and sometimes replace – are struggling to adapt, hurting morale and productivity in the process. —Nigel Melville, The Conversation, 6 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from French, from feminine of moral, adjective; in other senses, modification of French moral morale, from moral, adjective

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for morale

• canal
• chorale
• corral
• locale
• royale
• artisanal
• bal
• dal
• gal
• mal
• pal
• sal

Kids Definition

morale

noun

mo·​rale mə-ˈral 

: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, spirit, or loyalty) of an individual or a group with regard to a task or goal to be accomplished