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

This happened all the time in medieval times, particularly in the high nobility. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 June 2024

Today, the Furstenberg family still uses their royal titles, though they aren’t officially recognized by the German government, which abolished any legal privileges of nobility in 1919. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 June 2024

But there was a touch of nobility about him, Coach Klum says. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 18 June 2024

Heston’s square-jawed nobility was rarely better exploited — not even a cameo from Jesus near the end can overshadow his magisterial heroism. 41. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024

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