First Known Use: 1568
Dictionary
honorary
adjective hon·or·ary \ˈä-nə-ˌrer-ē\
: given as a sign of honor or achievement
: regarded as one of a group although not officially elected or included
: holding a position for which no payment is given : not paid
Full Definition of HONORARY
1
a : having or conferring distinction b : commemorative
2
: dependent on honor for fulfillment
3
a : conferred or elected in recognition of achievement or service without the usual prerequisites or obligations <an honorary degree> <an honorary member> b : unpaid, voluntary <an honorary chairman>
— hon·or·ari·ly \ˌä-nə-ˈrer-ə-lē\ adverb
— honorary noun
See honorary defined for English-language learners
See honorary defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HONORARY
Latin honorarius, from honor
Related to HONORARY
- Synonyms
- commemorating, commemorative, memorial, memorializing
HONORARILY Defined for Kids
honorary
adjective hon·or·ary \ˈä-nə-ˌrer-ē\
Definition of HONORARY for Kids
: given or done as an honor <They made him an honorary member of the club.>
Learn More About HONORARY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: honorary canonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: honorariumAll Words Near: honorary
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up honorary? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).