English Reference
adjective · noun

noble

adj. · n.
US /ˈnoʊbəɫ/ UK /nˈəʊbəl/ no·ble

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.having very high standards of honesty, courage, and goodness.

    adj.possessing or exhibiting high moral qualities or ideals; free from pettiness or mean-spiritedness.

    Simple

    It was a noble gesture to give his prize money to the local hospital.

    In context

    The leader was remembered for his noble character, specifically his refusal to compromise his principles even under extreme political pressure.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.belonging to a family of high social rank, like a duke or a count.

    adj.belonging to the hereditary aristocracy; of exalted rank or station by birth.

    Simple

    The family can trace their noble ancestors back to the twelfth century.

    In context

    Despite their noble lineage, the family lived a relatively modest life in a small village far from the capital.

    aristocratichighbornpatrician
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.used to describe gases or metals that do not easily change when they touch other chemicals.

    adj.chemically inert or having low reactivity; specifically applied to gases in group 18 or metals like gold and platinum.

    Simple

    Helium is a noble gas, which means it does not usually react with other elements.

    In context

    Gold is considered a noble metal because it resists oxidation and corrosion in moist air, unlike iron or copper.

    inertunreactive
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.looking very impressive, large, and beautiful.

    adj.having a stately, magnificent, or impressive appearance.

    Simple

    The old library was a noble building with tall columns and marble floors.

    In context

    The mountain range presented a noble silhouette against the darkening sky, inspiring generations of landscape painters.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a person who belongs to the highest social class and has a title.

    n.a person of noble rank or birth; a member of the aristocracy.

    Simple

    The king invited all the local nobles to a great feast at the palace.

    In context

    In the medieval period, the king relied on the support of powerful nobles to maintain order across the distant provinces.

Photograph: Abbie Trayler-Smith/The Guardian But to his friends, family, former associates and the families of the murder victims he writes about, Berry-Dee’s intentions are not noble.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated