nobility

[ noh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural no·bil·i·ties.

1. the noble class or the body of nobles in a country.
2. (in Britain) the peerage.
3. the state or quality of being noble.
4. nobleness of mind, character, or spirit; exalted moral excellence.
5. grandeur or magnificence.
6. noble birth or rank.

nobility

/ nəʊˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. a socially or politically privileged class whose titles are conferred by descent or by royal decree
2. the state or quality of being morally or spiritually good; dignity

   the nobility of his mind

3. (in the British Isles) the class of people holding the titles of dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, or barons and their feminine equivalents collectively; peerage

Other Words From

• nonno·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nobility¹

1350–1400; Middle English nobilite < Latin nōbilitās. See noble, -ity

Example Sentences

After all that, “The West Wing’s” nobility of purpose is enough to make one weep.

From Los Angeles Times

The Holy Roman Empire had seven electors: Three were members of the Catholic Church and four were significant members of the nobility.

From Salon

But Jones’ timbre perhaps gave voice to something universal, a sound to nobility and resplendence.

From Salon

There’s a radiant nobility to his loyalty — all the more so for the way he’s treated like an outsider, too potent to dismiss yet too exotic to fully trust.

From Los Angeles Times

I guess she figured Stevie Wonder had the whole nobility part covered by performing “Higher Ground.”

From Salon

Related Words

• dignity
• generosity
• grandeur
• greatness
• integrity
• superiority
• upper class
• virtue