honour
Americannoun
noun
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personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles
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fame or glory
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a person or thing that wins this for another
he is an honour to the school
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(often plural) great respect, regard, esteem, etc, or an outward sign of this
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(often plural) high or noble rank
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a privilege or pleasure
it is an honour to serve you
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a woman's virtue or chastity
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bridge poker any of the top five cards in a suit or any of the four aces at no trumps
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whist any of the top four cards
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golf the right to tee off first
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to pay homage to
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to be a credit to
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to serve as host or hostess
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to perform a social act, such as carving meat, proposing a toast, etc
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slang:school an exclamation pledging honour
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under a moral obligation
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out of respect for
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on the pledge of one's word or good name
verb
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to hold in respect or esteem
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to show courteous behaviour towards
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to worship
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to confer a distinction upon
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to accept and then pay when due (a cheque, draft, etc)
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to keep (one's promise); fulfil (a previous agreement)
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to bow or curtsy to (one's dancing partner)
noun
Spelling
See -or 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of honour
C12: from Old French onor, from Latin honor esteem
Explanation
Honour is the British English spelling of the word "honor." Honour means respect or prestige. If a teacher wants her students to treat her with honour, she has to be worthy of it, showing them the respect they deserve. An honour is also a tangible award that you are given for some accomplishment. If your grades are great, you might receive an honour at the academic awards banquet. As a verb, honour means to show a high amount of respect. In traditional wedding vows, both the bride and groom promise to love and honour each other.
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.
See Examples For:
Paoletta added that the arch would honour the nation, its veterans and "provide the sacred ground of Arlington National Cemetery with the monumental gateway it deserves".
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
"My father is like my second God. I must honour him," she said.
From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2026
"I'll just tell you it's been the greatest honour of my life to serve the state of Kansas for ten years."
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
After the honour of taking charge of the FA Cup final, does England have any other goals in his career on the field?
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Your land must be a realm of peace and content, and there must gardeners be in high honour.’
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
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Honour your joy, do not shy away from the good that is trying to reach you, do not convince yourself that you are unworthy of it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Acclaimed worldwide, Britain made him a Companion of Honour in 1997.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
He refused a knighthood in 1990 and was furious to discover he'd become a Companion of Honour.
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
Iceman's gone in straight at number one on the weekly UK official albums charts, with Maid of Honour at six and Habibti and seven.
From BBC ● May 22, 2026
The boatswain, unmanned for the first time, respectfully dried his eyes on the Jack, and then cheering up, and addressing Mr. Wopsle as Your Honour, solicited permission to take him by the fin.
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
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