1
a
: good name or public esteem : reputation
b
: a showing of usually merited respect : recognition
pay honor to our founder
2
: privilege
had the honor of joining the captain for dinner
3
: a person of superior standing
—now used especially as a title for a holder of high office
if Your Honor please
4
: one whose worth brings respect or fame : credit
an honor to the profession
5
: the center point of the upper half of an armorial escutcheon
6
: an evidence or symbol of distinction: such as
a
: an exalted title or rank
b(1)
: badge, decoration
(2)
: a ceremonial rite or observance
buried with full military honors
c
: an award in a contest or field of competition
e
honors plural
(1)
: an academic distinction conferred on a superior student
(2)
: a course of study for superior students supplementing or replacing a regular course
8
9
honors plural
: social courtesies or civilities extended by a host
asked her to do the honors
10
a(1)
: an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit in bridge
(2)
: the scoring value of honors held in bridge
—usually used in plural
b
: the privilege of playing first from the tee in golf
honored; honoring
ˈä-nə-riŋ 
ˈän-riŋ
1
a
: to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect : to regard or treat with honor
b
: to give special recognition to : to confer honor on
2
a
: to live up to or fulfill the terms of
honor a commitment
b
: to accept as payment
honor a credit card
3
: to salute with a bow in square dancing
Synonyms
Examples of honor in a Sentence
Noun
Many of the Persians, despite belonging to the Barbarian Other, come off with honor and dignity in his pages, even during the final narrative of Xerxes' invasion.
—
Peter Green, New York Review of Books, 15 May 2008
Whoever footed the bill, the episode gave Marsh a taste of the grand life she yearned for. Presiding at balls in her honor and making entrances at lavish picnics were distinctions she could never have dreamed of back home.
—Edmund S. Morgan et al., New York Review of Books, 27 Sept. 2007
"As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century."
—J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000
These people deserve to be treated with honor.
The team brought honor to the school.
The building was named in honor of the city's founder.
He was prepared to fight to defend his family's honor.
She has a keen sense of honor.
He would not do it as a matter of honor.
He's a man of honor.
It was an honor to be invited.
Verb
Cape Ann, an hour's drive north of Boston, is far sleepier than the famous elbow that bounds the southern reach of Massachusetts Bay. … There aren't any schmaltzy songs about my granite cape, which was named to honor a queen, thank you very much.
—Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005
But by talking with hikers and trail builders in the years since, and tracing the history these stone piles carry with them, I would learn that cairns are more than just interesting curiosities. I would discover that cairns honor the dead, save lives, mark boundaries, protect vegetation, claim territory, and reflect the seasons.
—Barbara Claire Kasselmann, AMC Outdoors, May 1999
Ricketts left for Mexico to study typhus in July of that year, where it killed him in 1910 at the age of thirty-nine. To honor his memory, the organisms that cause typhus and sundry spotted fevers were dubbed rickettsia in 1916.
—Wayne Biddle, A Field Guide to Germs, 1995
"Elegant Attire is a tradition in the Saratoga Clubhouse," says a sign outside the clubhouse. "Ladies and gentlemen who continue to honor this tradition (e.g., dresses, suits or sport jackets) are always appreciated." It is not easy to arbitrate good taste, particularly when the temperature is soaring toward the 90's on a humid day.
—George Vecsey, New York Times, 21 Aug. 1994
When we got married, we promised to love and honor each other.
We were honored with the queen's presence.
She has been honored by several organizations for her charitable works.
We need to find an appropriate way to honor these brave people.
They have established a scholarship as a way to honor his memory.
They are accused of failing to honor their debts.
See More
Peter Green, New York Review of Books, 15 May 2008
Whoever footed the bill, the episode gave Marsh a taste of the grand life she yearned for. Presiding at balls in her honor and making entrances at lavish picnics were distinctions she could never have dreamed of back home.
—Edmund S. Morgan et al., New York Review of Books, 27 Sept. 2007
"As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century."
—J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000
These people deserve to be treated with honor.
The team brought honor to the school.
The building was named in honor of the city's founder.
He was prepared to fight to defend his family's honor.
She has a keen sense of honor.
He would not do it as a matter of honor.
He's a man of honor.
It was an honor to be invited.
Verb
Cape Ann, an hour's drive north of Boston, is far sleepier than the famous elbow that bounds the southern reach of Massachusetts Bay. … There aren't any schmaltzy songs about my granite cape, which was named to honor a queen, thank you very much.
—Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005
But by talking with hikers and trail builders in the years since, and tracing the history these stone piles carry with them, I would learn that cairns are more than just interesting curiosities. I would discover that cairns honor the dead, save lives, mark boundaries, protect vegetation, claim territory, and reflect the seasons.
—Barbara Claire Kasselmann, AMC Outdoors, May 1999
Ricketts left for Mexico to study typhus in July of that year, where it killed him in 1910 at the age of thirty-nine. To honor his memory, the organisms that cause typhus and sundry spotted fevers were dubbed rickettsia in 1916.
—Wayne Biddle, A Field Guide to Germs, 1995
"Elegant Attire is a tradition in the Saratoga Clubhouse," says a sign outside the clubhouse. "Ladies and gentlemen who continue to honor this tradition (e.g., dresses, suits or sport jackets) are always appreciated." It is not easy to arbitrate good taste, particularly when the temperature is soaring toward the 90's on a humid day.
—George Vecsey, New York Times, 21 Aug. 1994
When we got married, we promised to love and honor each other.
We were honored with the queen's presence.
She has been honored by several organizations for her charitable works.
We need to find an appropriate way to honor these brave people.
They have established a scholarship as a way to honor his memory.
They are accused of failing to honor their debts.
See More
Recent Examples on the WebNbc Universal, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2023
On a rainy and humid morning, the leaders observed a moment of silence and listened to Gandhi’s favorite hymns before leaving wreaths in his honor.
—Matt Viser and Meryl Kornfield, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Sep. 2023
Blake Corum scores third touchdown, Michigan leads 35-0 Blake Corum's campaign for back-to-back All-American honors is off to a strong start.
—Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2023
Advertisement Brammer’s column goes beyond the silly arguments about which country’s cuisine is better, and focuses instead on why people are so quick to fight for their food’s honor.
—Angel Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen also are under consideration for the night's top honor.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023
Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, and Kelsea Ballerini all received nods for the honor.
—Katie Bowlby, Country Living, 7 Sep. 2023
Lizzo is set to receive the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at this year’s Black Music Action Coalition gala, with the honor coming as the singer faces a lawsuit from her former dancers accusing her of a toxic work environment.
—Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2023
While that may be a badge of honor on the mound, that grimy peak may not look as good in the bleachers.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
Jessica Vadillo, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2023
First responders stand at attention as the American flag is unfurled prior to an observance ceremony to honor the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon, at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on Sept. 11, 2023.
—CBS News, 11 Sep. 2023
President Joe Biden will honor the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2023
Dream penned a story for British Vogue in April 2019, honoring her mom in the publication that changed her life.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2023
The predominantly rural county of 25,000 people holds not just one but two anniversary commemorations: a morning service focused on first responders and an evening ceremony honoring all the victims.
—Jennifer Peltz and Karen Matthews, Dallas News, 11 Sep. 2023
Bakhtiari played at Colorado from 2009-12, earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons.
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2023
The Vikings honored former coach Bud Grant, who died earlier this year at age 95, with various tributes before their loss to the Buccaneers and at halftime, with about 30 of his former players on hand.
—BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
The dance numbers have themes that honor women and explore the complexities of romantic and work relationships, with musical accompaniment that ranges from Kendrick Lamar to Vivaldi.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2023
See More
Noun
Yeah, Chuck, thank you, and thank you for the honor of being on your last show.
—Nbc Universal, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2023
On a rainy and humid morning, the leaders observed a moment of silence and listened to Gandhi’s favorite hymns before leaving wreaths in his honor.
—Matt Viser and Meryl Kornfield, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Sep. 2023
Blake Corum scores third touchdown, Michigan leads 35-0 Blake Corum's campaign for back-to-back All-American honors is off to a strong start.
—Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2023
Advertisement Brammer’s column goes beyond the silly arguments about which country’s cuisine is better, and focuses instead on why people are so quick to fight for their food’s honor.
—Angel Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2023
Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen also are under consideration for the night's top honor.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023
Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, and Kelsea Ballerini all received nods for the honor.
—Katie Bowlby, Country Living, 7 Sep. 2023
Lizzo is set to receive the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at this year’s Black Music Action Coalition gala, with the honor coming as the singer faces a lawsuit from her former dancers accusing her of a toxic work environment.
—Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2023
While that may be a badge of honor on the mound, that grimy peak may not look as good in the bleachers.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
Verb
Now, the neighborhood is welcoming Romer Hell’s Kitchen, a hotel that honors the area's historically artistic and theatrical spirit.
—Jessica Vadillo, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2023
First responders stand at attention as the American flag is unfurled prior to an observance ceremony to honor the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon, at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on Sept. 11, 2023.
—CBS News, 11 Sep. 2023
President Joe Biden will honor the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2023
Dream penned a story for British Vogue in April 2019, honoring her mom in the publication that changed her life.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2023
The predominantly rural county of 25,000 people holds not just one but two anniversary commemorations: a morning service focused on first responders and an evening ceremony honoring all the victims.
—Jennifer Peltz and Karen Matthews, Dallas News, 11 Sep. 2023
Bakhtiari played at Colorado from 2009-12, earning second-team All-Pac 12 honors his redshirt sophomore and junior seasons.
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2023
The Vikings honored former coach Bud Grant, who died earlier this year at age 95, with various tributes before their loss to the Buccaneers and at halftime, with about 30 of his former players on hand.
—BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
The dance numbers have themes that honor women and explore the complexities of romantic and work relationships, with musical accompaniment that ranges from Kendrick Lamar to Vivaldi.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'honor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing honor
Articles Related to honor
Dictionary Entries Near honor
Cite this Entry
“Honor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
honor
1 of 2 noun
hon·or
ˈän-ər
1
a
: a good name or public admiration : reputation
b
: a showing of respect : recognition
a dinner in honor of a new coach
2
: privilege entry 1
whom have I the honor of addressing
3
a
capitalized
—used especially as a title for an official of high rank (as a judge)
if your Honor please
b
: one whose worth brings respect or fame : credit
an honor to your profession
4
a
: evidence or a symbol of great respect (as a title or medal)
b
plural
: special credit or recognition given to graduating students for high achievement
also
: a course of study for advanced students that is in place of or in addition to regular courses
6
plural
: courteous actions of a host or hostess
did the honors at the table
honor
2 of 2 verb
honored; honoring
ˈän-(ə-)riŋ
1
a
: to treat with honor : respect
honor your parents
b
: to give an honor to
2
: to fulfill the terms of
honored the contract
Legal Definition
honor
transitive verb
hon·or
honored; honoring
1
: to accept and pay
the bank honored the check
2
: to purchase or discount (a draft) in compliance with a letter of credit
More from Merriam-Webster on honor
Nglish: Translation of honor for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of honor for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share