adjective

1. relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right and wrong in conduct
2. relating to, serving to teach, or in accordance with the principles of right and wrong
3. good or right in conduct or character; sometimes, specif., virtuous in sexual conduct
4. designating support, etc. that involves approval and sympathy without action
5. being virtually such because of its effect on thoughts, attitudes, etc., or because of its general results a moral victory
6. based on strong probability a moral certainty
7. based on the principle of right conduct rather than legality a moral obligation
8. Law based on general observation of people, on analogy, etc. rather than on what is demonstrable moral evidence

Etymology: ME < L moralis, of manners or customs < mos (gen. moris), pl. mores, manners, morals (see mood): used by Cicero as transl. of Gr ēthikos

noun

1. a moral implication or moral lesson taught by a fable, event, etc.
2. the conclusion of a fable or story containing a moral lesson
3. principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong in conduct; ethics; sometimes, specif., standards of sexual behavior
4. Rare morale