noun
noble
NOH-buhl
noun
1
A member of the aristocracy.
"The nobles gathered at court to discuss the treaty."
adj
1
Having honorable, admirable moral qualities.
"It was a noble gesture to give up his seat for the elderly woman."
"She fought for a noble cause throughout her career."
2
Belonging to the aristocracy by birth or title.
"He came from a noble family with centuries of history."
3
In chemistry, describing an element that resists reacting with others.
"Gold is prized partly because it's a noble metal that doesn't tarnish."
How to Use Noble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes either someone of aristocratic birth, or an admirable, morally upright quality or act.
Common pairings
noble cause
noble gesture
noble gas
noble birth
Word Forms
nobler comparative, more noble comparative, nobles plural, noblest superlative, most noble superlative
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The _____ gathered at court to discuss the treaty.
Etymology
From Old French noble, from Latin nōbilis ("well-known, high-born"), related to nōscere ("to know").