1
: moral principles, teachings, or conduct
2
a
: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand
The team's morale is high.
b
: a sense of common purpose with respect to a group : esprit de corps
The ship's morale improved after two days of shore leave.
3
: the level of individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose and confidence in the future
The failure of his play did not affect his morale.

Examples of morale in a Sentence

The team is playing well and their morale is high. The President's speech boosted the morale of the troops.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Baylor’s big quiet concern Baylor’s McLane Stadium is the centerpiece of a dramatic redesign that gives the city of Waco a visible lift that does nothing but help morale, for the university, students and residents. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Additionally, being sent into a very difficult client’s home without any preparation and/or proper training and support can create extreme frustration and a rapid decline in caregiver morale. — Colin Conner Ii, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The findings offer a sobering snapshot of the morale among the teaching workforce at a time when many students are struggling in core subjects, and adults cast doubt on schools’ ability to prepare students for the future. — Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for morale

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from French, from feminine of moral, adjective; in other senses, modification of French moral morale, from moral, adjective

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of morale was in 1752

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Morale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morale. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, spirit, or loyalty) of an individual or a group with regard to a task or goal to be accomplished

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