nobility

noun

no·​bil·​i·​ty nō-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce nobility (audio)
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

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 Burial poles mark burial still exist today as gravestones, marking the loss of other human lives that were sacrificed on behalf of prosperous nobility. Patrick Frater, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023 His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a descendant of Piedmont nobility. Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2023 Centuries later, Korean nobility started catching on and would drink batches made from higher-quality rice. WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023 Historically, Tibetan lamas have often come from nobility. David Pierson, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2023 Starring solid jade — a stone that symbolizes nobility and wealth — the ring is an easy, everyday option to add an instant pop of color to your look (and some financial good luck). Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2023 But the plays still reach us with their clarity, nobility and wisdom. Teju Cole, New York Times, 12 Sep. 2023 They were discovered by legendary adventurers and gem hunters, trading hands or sold to renowned jewelry houses, nobility and Hollywood royalty. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 1 Apr. 2023 Her prose brings readers inside Esch’s perspective, protecting her against the voyeurism that stories of Black teenage mothers usually encourage, and granting her a vulnerable nobility. Imani Perry, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nobility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near nobility

Cite this Entry

“Nobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nobility. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

nobility

noun
no·​bil·​i·​ty nō-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce nobility (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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