: a member of the British peerage ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
earldom noun

Examples of earl in a Sentence

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.
With James' support, George became an earl, a marquess and ultimately a duke (a rarity for nonroyals). Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 Klimek: Moving into the 20th century, Tony cited the story of an English earl named Lord Carnarvon. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2023 Work began on the castle’s symmetrical wings and crowning dome in 1699 and after the lifetimes of three earls, it was finally completed in 1811. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023 Other changes came at the hands of 18th and 19th century Westminster Abbey schoolboys, including future earls, who carved their initials and other graffiti on the back of the chair. Norman Vanamee, Town & Country, 7 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for earl 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English erl, from Old English eorl warrior, nobleman; akin to Old Norse jarl warrior, nobleman

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earl was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near earl

Cite this Entry

“Earl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earl. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

earl

noun
: a member of the British nobility ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
earldom noun
Etymology

Old English eorl "nobleman"

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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