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  honour

  noun

  honor.
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  Honour

honour

American  

[on-er] / ˈɒn ər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. honor.

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honour ¹ British  

/ ˈɒnə /

noun

1. personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles

2. 1. fame or glory

   2. a person or thing that wins this for another

      he is an honour to the school

3. (often plural) great respect, regard, esteem, etc, or an outward sign of this

4. (often plural) high or noble rank

5. a privilege or pleasure

   it is an honour to serve you

6. a woman's virtue or chastity

7. 1. bridge poker any of the top five cards in a suit or any of the four aces at no trumps

   2. whist any of the top four cards

8. golf the right to tee off first

9. 1. to pay homage to

   2. to be a credit to

10. 1. to serve as host or hostess

    2. to perform a social act, such as carving meat, proposing a toast, etc

11. slang:school an exclamation pledging honour

12. under a moral obligation

13. out of respect for

14. on the pledge of one's word or good name

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verb

1. to hold in respect or esteem

2. to show courteous behaviour towards

3. to worship

4. to confer a distinction upon

5. to accept and then pay when due (a cheque, draft, etc)

6. to keep (one's promise); fulfil (a previous agreement)

7. to bow or curtsy to (one's dancing partner)

Honour ² British  

/ ˈɒnə /

noun

1. 1. a title used to or of certain judges

   2. (in Ireland) a form of address in general use

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Spelling

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• honourer
  noun
• honourless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of honour

C12: from Old French onor, from Latin honor esteem

Explanation

Honour is the British English spelling of the word "honor." Honour means respect or prestige. If a teacher wants her students to treat her with honour, she has to be worthy of it, showing them the respect they deserve. An honour is also a tangible award that you are given for some accomplishment. If your grades are great, you might receive an honour at the academic awards banquet. As a verb, honour means to show a high amount of respect. In traditional wedding vows, both the bride and groom promise to love and honour each other.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

honour Honour

He is scheduled to be welcomed by an honour guard at Bangkok's Government House and then meet one-on-one with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a Thai official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

I would urge people who haven't already done so to express your decision to donate via the Organ Donor Register and for families to remember that decision and honour it should the time come.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

"It was an honour to compete in front of such a fantastic and supportive home crowd," he said, reflecting on the Games and his post-race interviews.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

"Looking back, you realise careers are defined by moments, and to have a moment that you're truly remembered for is a real honour."

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

“Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Announcing her departure on the social media platform X, external, Fleet said: "Honour of lifetime to be minister for safeguarding. Quickly found contents overwhelmingly triggering."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Acclaimed worldwide, Britain made him a Companion of Honour in 1997.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

The rapper dropped his anticipated solo record, Iceman, plus two more surprise ones - Habibti and Maid of Honour - on 15 May.

From BBC ● May 22, 2026

The rapper's dropped his anticipated solo record, Iceman, plus two more - Habibti and Maid of Honour - with 43 songs in total.

From BBC ● May 15, 2026

Bod said, “Tell me about the Honour Guard, Silas. You’re in it. Miss Lupescu was. Who else? Are there a lot of you? What do you do?”

From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman