honeymoon

[huhn-ee-moon]

noun

1. a vacation or trip taken by a newly married couple (often used attributively).

   After you've said "I do," why not escape to a dream honeymoon in Greece?

   Relax and kindle the flame of passion in one of our honeymoon suites.

2. a period of harmony at the beginning of a marriage.

   After the initial honeymoon, there may be a temptation to let routine take over.

3. any period of blissful harmony.

   Their entire 60 years of marriage was one long honeymoon.

4. any new relationship characterized by an initial period of harmony and goodwill.

   The honeymoon between Congress and the new president was over.

verb (used without object)

1. to spend one's honeymoon (usually followed by in orat ).

   In a few months we’ll be honeymooning in New Zealand, and we can't wait!

honeymoon

/ ˈhʌnɪˌmuːn /

noun

1. 1. a holiday taken by a newly married couple

   2. ( as modifier )

      a honeymoon cottage

2. a holiday considered to resemble a honeymoon

   a second honeymoon

3. the early, usually calm period of a relationship, such as a political or business one

verb

1. (intr) to take a honeymoon

Other Word Forms

• honeymooner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of honeymoon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; honey + moon

Word History and Origins

Origin of honeymoon¹

C16: traditionally explained as an allusion to the feelings of married couples as changing with the phases of the moon

Example Sentences

Dowden was just 32 when she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the day before her honeymoon.

From BBC

Only after getting engaged can couples meet face to face, then navigate the pressures of a honeymoon, moving in together, and meeting families - all in a whirlwind run-up to a legally binding wedding.

From BBC

Couples meet for just five minutes on a speed date before being matched up by experts, having a fake wedding and embarking on a honeymoon.

From BBC

What happens after the honeymoon will be the real test of Markle’s mettle.

From Salon

Meanwhile with US and UK dates in September and December, there's little time for a honeymoon either.

From BBC