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

• augustness
• brilliance
• gloriousness
• glory
• gorgeousness
• grandeur
• grandness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobleness
• resplendence
• resplendency
• splendidness
• splendiferousness
• splendor
• stateliness
• stupendousness
• sublimeness
• superbness

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

La Redoute, originally built over two centuries ago as a ballroom and concert hall for high-ranking nobility, has a rich history as a venue for grand events. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Robert might be moving to the United States, Yasmin is marrying into nobility, and Rishi has hit rock bottom. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024

Alexandra Pavlovna Galitzine Armour Born into nobility, then left with nothing by the Russian Revolution, Alexandra Galitzine Armour learned to treasure life’s little things, her family said. —Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 24 Oct. 2024

Most of the empire’s military elites consisted of non-Russians—mainly members of the Baltic German nobility. —Cristina Florea, Foreign Affairs, 10 May 2022

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

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