noblesse
Britishnoun
-
noble birth or condition
-
the noble class
Etymology
Origin of noblesse
C13: from Old French; see noble
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.
According to Mr. Talty, they were motivated by patriotism, noblesse oblige and philhellenism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 2026
When Pritzker finds himself explaining why he does what he does, he often falls back on the vague language of noblesse oblige—that “we” have a responsibility to “lift up” or “stand up” for “the vulnerable.”
From Slate ● Sep. 18, 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
It's the "noblesse oblige" posturing of 19th-century industrialists, who pretended that building a few museums made up for grinding underpaid workers into dust.
From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2023
Remote cousins and family friends whom mere acquaintanceship invested with a sort of blood obligation noblesse oblige.
From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
