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

Oxford University will award an honorary degree to President Steinmeier, on a trip where he will be shown medical technology at the university and joint UK and German research projects.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

The university’s granting of an honorary degree to the Dalai Lama the year before.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2025

“Seriously? Jamie, what’s wrong? And don’t tell me it’s nothing—I have an honorary degree in trying to keep my feelings a secret.”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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