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

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood said it had been a "privilege and honour" to have been welcomed into viewers' homes for 28 years, as she bade an emotional farewell to BBC Breakfast.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The city's councillors voted unanimously to remove the honour from Ferguson, which she was given in 1987 after her marriage to the then-Prince Andrew, at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday evening.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Nile Rodgers said it was the "greatest honour" to present Williams with the award, saying the artist had "changed my life".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

During the meeting on Thursday, councillors debated a motion proposing to revoke the honour from Ferguson before voting in favour of it.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

‘You did great, Frank. It’s been an honour.’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan