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• honourable
  honourable

  adjective

  possessing or characterized by high principles
• Honourable
  Honourable

  adjective

  (prenominal) a title of respect placed before a name: employed before the names of various officials in the English-speaking world, as a courtesy title in Britain for the children of viscounts and barons and the younger sons of earls, and in Parliament by one member speaking of another

honourable

¹ British  

/ ˈɒnərəbəl, ˈɒnrəbəl /

adjective

1. possessing or characterized by high principles

   honourable intentions

2. worthy of or entitled to honour or esteem

3. consistent with or bestowing honour

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Honourable ² British  

/ ˈɒnərəbəl, ˈɒnrəbəl /

adjective

1.  Hon.  (prenominal) a title of respect placed before a name: employed before the names of various officials in the English-speaking world, as a courtesy title in Britain for the children of viscounts and barons and the younger sons of earls, and in Parliament by one member speaking of another

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Other Word Forms

• honourableness noun
• honourably adverb

Example Sentences

“In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside,” McSweeney said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

He added that if Gibbon "believes her decision reflects the views of local people, the appropriate and honourable course of action is to stand down and seek a fresh mandate".

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

“We have, of course, accepted this honourable invitation,” Orban said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

He described the actions of Turness as "honourable" and "proper", repeating her assertion that the "buck stops" with her.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025

His lordship has worked wonders to bring this meeting about, and he believes - faithfully believes - he's doing something good and honourable.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro