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

Example Sentences

"It's a wonderful honour to think I've been allowed to have that time with her and hopefully a bit more."

From BBC

Jordan's nomination for best actor is among 16 nods the film nabbed for Hollywood's most coveted honours, which are set to take place next month in Los Angeles.

From BBC

The sight of him leading his players on a post-game lap of honour became familiar - and he would acknowledge faces he recognised in the crowd.

From BBC

In addition, the court said Wing changed the firm's strategy without consulting the other board members, refused to honour agreements with Dutch officials and crimped the powers of European Nexperia executives.

From Barron's

"It was just such an honour, all my team-mates we have this passion for figure skating," he told the BBC after winning team gold.

From BBC