Ethics and morals are both used in the plural and are often regarded as synonyms, but there is some distinction in how they are used. Morals often describes one's particular values concerning what is …

MORAL definition: of, relating to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical. See examples of moral used in a sentence.

MORAL meaning: 1. relating to the standards of good or bad behaviour, fairness, honesty, etc. that each person…. Learn more.

The moral of a story or event is what you learn from it about how you should or should not behave.

Moral applies to personal character and behavior: "Our moral sense dictates a clearcut preference for these societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights" (Jimmy Carter).

Feb 21, 2026 · moral (comparative more moral, superlative most moral) Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behaviour, especially for teaching right behaviour. quotations

There are 15 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun moral, seven of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.