noun

hidalgo

hih-DAL-goh

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Hidalgo (noun) means a member of the lower Spanish nobility, historically exempt from certain taxes but without a formal title. Example: “The old hidalgo insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.”

noun

A member of the lower Spanish nobility, historically exempt from certain taxes but without a formal title.

"The old hidalgo insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse."

"Don Quixote imagines himself a noble hidalgo living out chivalric adventures."

How to use hidalgo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rank of Spanish gentry below a full nobleman — genteel but often not wealthy.

Memory tip

You will most often meet this word in the context of Spanish literature, especially Don Quixote.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: hidalgos, hidalgoes

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The old _____ insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.

Etymology

From Spanish hidalgo, a contraction of the older phrase hijo de algo, literally "son of something" — meaning a man of some property or standing.

Origin: Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What does “hidalgo” mean?

The word “hidalgo” means a member of the lower Spanish nobility, historically exempt from certain taxes but without a formal title. In plain terms, a rank of Spanish gentry below a full nobleman — genteel but often not wealthy.

How do you pronounce “hidalgo”?

“Hidalgo” is pronounced hih-DAL-goh (/hɪˈdælɡəʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “hidalgo” in a sentence?

Here is “hidalgo” used in a sentence: “The old hidalgo insisted on being addressed with proper courtesy despite his empty purse.”

What part of speech is “hidalgo”?

“Hidalgo” is a noun.

Where does the word “hidalgo” come from?

The word “hidalgo” comes from Spanish. From Spanish hidalgo, a contraction of the older phrase hijo de algo, literally "son of something" — meaning a man of some property or standing.

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