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

Mozzi hails from Italian nobility and is the chief executive of Banda Property. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

The same goes for the name and title of nobility, neither of which are really his. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025

The home sits on a street lined with stately palazzos once owned by Tuscan nobility—and this one has quite the pedigree. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025

In the series, Marie, an ambitious young woman of minor nobility, learns that her lung disease is terminal. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 1 Oct. 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