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

Granted, the 49ers would get a boost in morale and their play with Purdy back in the fold, but the team has one of the better backup quarterbacks ready to play at a moment's notice. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Companies that invest in family-friendly policies and cultures see stronger retention, higher morale and better long-term performance. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

The program aims to improve student outcomes, elevate teacher morale, and raise school letter grades by ensuring all students receive high-quality instruction and support, according to the Arizona Department of Education. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Business leaders continue to host events along East Colfax Avenue to boost the morale (and sales) of restaurants and boutiques impaired by ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit line. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025

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
• ghazal
• locale
• royale
• 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