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honorary degree

American

[ahn-uh-rer-ee-di-gree] / ˈɑn əˌrɛr i dɪˈgri /

noun

plural

honorary degrees

an academic degree, conferred by a university or similar institution in recognition of a person's contributions to and achievements within a specific area, rather than in recognition of appropriate study or research.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Although it was not related to an honorary degree, the band members were each gifted caps and gowns to wear.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

He also received an honorary degree from Otis College of Art and Design in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

He will also receive an honorary degree from Oxford University, on a trip in which he will learn about medical research at the university.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

Trump was made a business ambassador by Jack McConnell in 2006 and awarded an honorary degree by Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University four years later.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

In 1877 when he was awarded an honorary degree at his old university, Cambridge, Emma went with him and wrote to William how proud she was.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023