Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

earl

noun
/ɜːrl/
Definition
A nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess.
Examples
  • The Earl of Oxford was known for his vast estates.
  • She married an earl, thus becoming a countess.
  • The title of earl has a longstanding history in England.
Meaning
In British peerage, an earl is a title of nobility that denotes a person who has authority over a certain area. It can also be used to refer to a member of the British aristocracy in general.
Synonyms
  • noble
  • lord
  • aristocrat