honor roll

American  

noun

1. a list of students who have earned grades above a specific average during a semester or school year.

2. a list of names, usually on a plaque in a public place, of local citizens who have served or died in the armed services.

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Etymology

Origin of honor roll

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

His grades have fluctuated wildly; he made the honor roll when the iPad was briefly removed, only to slide back as his school-day viewing surged to as much as 240 minutes in a single day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Not long ago, I learned that my former student, now in high school, had made the honor roll.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

When one of the kids made honor roll, they’d celebrate at Dave & Buster’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

They felt judged by family and friends if they hadn’t steered their children onto the honor roll and an all-star sports team while planning a picturesque vacation and keeping their homes neat and tidy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2024

His bed is messy, like always, and all his academic trophies and honor roll certificates fill up the back wall.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston