Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

noble savage

noun

Definition of noble savage

: a mythic conception of people belonging to non-European cultures as having innate natural simplicity and virtue uncorrupted by European civilization; also : a person exemplifying this conception

First Known Use of noble savage

1670

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Learn More about noble savage

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about noble savage

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up noble savage? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games