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 of nobility

• 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

Other camellia species were noted and grown for their flowers gracing gardens of temples and nobility. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026

The encounter amounts to a philosophical definition of nobility as something that owes nothing to titles or traditions. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026

Long Names for Boys Often tied to strength, heritage, and tradition, long names for boys are sometimes tied to nobility. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 13 Jan. 2026

Its medical professionals aren’t just competent but morally perfect, their personal failings serving mainly to make their essential nobility more tangible. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026

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