honor system

noun

: a system (as at a college) whereby persons are trusted to abide by the regulations (as for a code of conduct) without supervision or surveillance

Examples of honor system in a Sentence

Customers are on the honor system to pay for any software they choose to purchase.
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.
Part of why Jami thinks the honor system works is because locals like to know their farmers and see where the produce is grown, both of which effectively take the anonymity out of the shopping experience. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026 Instead, there’s an honor system, with players calling their own fouls. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 In the past, the system largely operated on an honor system, allowing non-hotel guests to take advantage of the perk. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026 But until this year, the motion picture academy operated entirely on the honor system, strongly encouraging members to see everything before voting. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honor system

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of honor system was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Honor system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor%20system. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

honor system

noun
: a system (as at a school) where persons are trusted to follow the rules without supervision
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