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nobility

American  
[noh-bil-i-tee] / noʊˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

nobilities

  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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonnobility noun

Etymology

Origin of nobility

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ample opportunity exists for anybody to advance in this feudal system, provided that person can impress the right nobility.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

Because of its complex and expensive preparation, the naan became a luxury food item enjoyed largely by the nobility.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

“I believe deeply in the nobility of your work, in what you do every day to keep this city safe, in your commitment, and in your sacrifice,” she wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Dalla Ragione has sought answers to fruit mysteries in monastery orchards, the gardens of nobility and common allotments.

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

It is to stain their nobility, to make them vulnerable, fallible, breakable humans.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.