noble

play

adjective no·ble \ˈnō-bəl\

Definition of noble

nobler

play \ˈnō-b(ə-)lər\;

noblest

play \ˈnō-b(ə-)ləst\

1a : possessing outstanding qualities : illustrious was a noble kingb : famous, notable noble deeds
2 : of high birth or exalted rank : aristocratic … my sire is of a noble line … — Samuel Taylor Coleridge noble families
3a : possessing very high or excellent qualities or properties noble wineb : very good or excellent See that there be a noble supper provided … — R. B. Sheridan
4 : grand or impressive especially in appearance noble edifice a noble cathedral
5 : possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals : lofty a noble ambition a noble cause
6 : chemically inert or inactive especially toward oxygen a noble metal such as platinum — compare base 6a

nobleness

play \ˈnō-bəl-nəs\ noun

nobly

play \ˈnō-blē also -bə-lē\ adverb

See noble defined for English-language learners

See noble defined for kids

Examples of noble in a Sentence

He was a man of noble character.
It was noble of her to come forward with this information.

Origin and Etymology of noble

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nobilis well-known, noble, from noscere to come to know — more at know

NEW!

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of noble

moral, ethical, virtuous, righteous, noble mean conforming to a standard of what is right and good. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong. the basic moral values of a community ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity. committed to the highest ethical principles virtuous implies moral excellence in character. not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious. wished to be righteous before God and the world noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character. had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

noble

noun no·ble

Definition of noble

1 : a person of noble rank or birth
2 : an old English gold coin equivalent to 6s 8d

See noble defined for English-language learners

Examples of noble in a Sentence

an elite school for children of nobles

First Known Use of noble

14th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

NOBLE Defined for English Language Learners

noble

play

adjective

Definition of noble for English Language Learners

: having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire (such as honesty, generosity, courage, etc.)
: of, relating to, or belonging to the highest social class : of, relating to, or belonging to the nobility
: impressive in size or appearance

noble

noun

Definition of noble for English Language Learners

: a person who is a member of the nobility

NOBLE Defined for Kids

noble

play

adjective no·ble \ˈnō-bəl\

Definition of noble for Students

nobler

;

noblest

1 : having or showing very fine or admirable qualities a noble deed He was a noble person of courage and honesty.
2 : of very high birth or rank a noble lady
3 : grand in appearance a noble cathedral