noblesse oblige

American  

[noh-bles oh-bleezh, naw-bles aw-bleezh] / noʊˈblɛs oʊˈbliʒ, nɔˈblɛs ɔˈbliʒ /

noun

1. the moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc.

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noblesse oblige British  

/ nəʊˈblɛs əʊˈbliːʒ, nɔblɛs ɔbliʒ /

noun

1. ironic the supposed obligation of nobility to be honourable and generous

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noblesse oblige Cultural  

1. The belief that the wealthy and privileged are obliged to help those less fortunate. From French, meaning “nobility obligates.”

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Etymology

Origin of noblesse oblige

First recorded in 1830–40; from French: literally, “nobility obliges”

Example Sentences

They rode to work in Rolls-Royces and adhered to a Protestant ethic of noblesse oblige.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

His noblesse oblige masked a steely newsman who stood by his publication and industry whenever they were under attack.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2023

But there is no noblesse oblige or courtly love, no dragons, witchy women or aggrandizing British accents.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Now noblesse oblige, now "Let them eat cake."

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2021

Victor III was far more enlightened, but his liberalism was paternalistic, rooted in noblesse oblige.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson