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

• majesty
• brilliance
• elegance
• glory
• nobleness
• grandeur

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

Sitting for a portrait was once reserved for the elite, with kings, queens, and nobility commissioning grand works to immortalize themselves and assert their authority. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

And sure, there’s nobility in that. —Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025

The visual suggests the film’s exploration of decaying nobility and internal conflict. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025

Even with the wheels starting to come off the British empire (this show is basically a Downton prequel), a place in English nobility will give the Russell heiress an otherwise unattainable level of social power, stationing her on the uppermost echelon of global influence. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing nobility

• the nobility

Rhymes for nobility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility

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