# earl

/ˈɝɫ/ (US) · /ˈɜːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/earl
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. nobleman

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

a man who has a high social rank in the British nobility.

For teachers: a member of the British peerage ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. The title is hereditary or granted by the monarch, and the female equivalent is a countess.

- The Earl of Derby lived in a large castle in the countryside.
- The Earl was invited to the coronation ceremony as a representative of one of the oldest noble families in the kingdom.

Usage: The title is used before a surname or a place name, such as 'Earl Grey' or 'the Earl of Oxford'.

Teaching tip: Learners should note that while the male title is 'Earl', the female equivalent is 'Countess', not 'Earless'.

## Examples

- The Earl lives in a large historic house.
- The local museum was founded by the third Earl in the late nineteenth century.
- While the title of Earl is ancient, the modern duties associated with the peerage are largely ceremonial and focused on the preservation of historical estates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.