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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did Gilded Age millionaires really marry their daughters to British nobility in exchange for funding their estates? Alexis Nedd, IndieWire, 2 July 2025 Despite her connection by blood to illustrious Roman nobility, Agrippina would disappear almost as swiftly as she was named. Diana Arterian june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025 Pink Elephant steeps itself in themes of moving through tumult that feel informed by the challenge to Butler’s nobility and to our notion of the stability of the family bond at the root of Arcade Fire, while the band activity minimizes chances that possible sources of frustration come up. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025 Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo Born to Cuban nobility in 1917, Desi Arnaz's family was forced to flee the country for Miami following The Cuban Revolution of 1933. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nobility

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nobility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nobility. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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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