1 [noncount] : respect that is given to someone who is admired
▪ These people deserve to be treated with honor. ▪ The team brought honor to the school. ▪ Please welcome our guest of honor. [=the person who is being specially honored] ▪ He was given a place of honor at the table. [=a seat for someone who is being specially honored] ▪ The trophy has a place of honor [=a special position for something that is highly valued] on the mantel. ▪ They're having a dinner in honor of the new coach. = They're having a dinner in the new coach's honor. [=they are having a dinner as a way to show respect and admiration for the new coach] ▪ The building was named in honor of the city's founder. ▪ He wore his ethnic heritage as a badge of honor. [=he was proud of his ethnic heritage and did not try to hide it] 2 [noncount] a : good reputation : good quality or character as judged by other people
▪ He was prepared to fight to defend/protect/uphold his family's honor.
b : high moral standards of behavior
▪ She has a keen sense of honor. ▪ a code of honor ▪ He would not do it as a matter of honor. ▪ He's a man of honor. 3 [singular] formal a : a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud — usually + of ▪ She was given/granted the honor of christening the ship. ▪ I have the honor of informing you that you have won first prize. ▪ May I have the honor of this dance? [=(more commonly) will you dance with me?]
b : something that shows that other people have respect for you
▪ It was an honor to be invited. ▪ It's a great honor (for me) to be here with you tonight. ▪ I hope you'll do me the honor of accepting this invitation. [=it will make me feel happy and proud if you accept this invitation] 4 [count] : something (such as a title or medal) that is given to a person as a sign of respect and admiration
▪ She has received/won many honors and awards for her charitable works. ▪ Charitable organizations have been heaping honors on him. ▪ He was buried with full military honors. [=a special military ceremony for a person who has died] — see also medal of honor 5 [singular] : an admired person who is a source of pride and respect for the other members of a group, organization, etc. — used in the phrase an honor to ▪ She was an honor to [=a credit to] her profession. 6 Honor [count] — used as a title for a judge or mayor ▪ Please welcome His Honor, the mayor. ▪ We request a recess, Your Honor. 7 honors [plural] a : special credit or recognition given to students who have successfully done work at a high level
▪ She graduated with (top/high) honors.
b : a special course of study for students who want to take classes at a high level
▪ honors classes/courses ▪ an honours degree from a British university