honeymoon
HUHN-ee-moon
Honeymoon (noun) means a vacation taken by a couple right after their wedding. Example: “They spent their honeymoon exploring the coast of Italy.”
noun
1
A vacation taken by a couple right after their wedding.
"They spent their honeymoon exploring the coast of Italy."
"After the wedding, the couple flew to a quiet island for their honeymoon."
"We are saving up for a long honeymoon somewhere warm and sunny."
2
A short early period of goodwill and optimism at the start of something new, such as a job or political term.
"The new CEO's honeymoon ended quickly once profits started falling."
"The new manager enjoyed a brief honeymoon before the staff began to complain."
"Every new president hopes the honeymoon with the public will last a long time."
How to use honeymoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA post-wedding trip, or more broadly, a short golden period of goodwill at the start of something.
Common pairings
honeymoon period
go on honeymoon
honeymoon suite
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Word forms
- Plural
- honeymoons
- Third person singular
- honeymoons
- Past tense
- honeymooned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They spent their _____ exploring the coast of Italy.
Etymology
From honey + moon; originally suggesting that affection, like the moon, wanes over time, though the word later came to mean the sweet first month of marriage.
Rhymes for honeymoon
See all rhymes for honeymoon →Frequently asked questions
What does “honeymoon” mean?
The word “honeymoon” means a vacation taken by a couple right after their wedding. In plain terms, a post-wedding trip, or more broadly, a short golden period of goodwill at the start of something.
How do you pronounce “honeymoon”?
“Honeymoon” is pronounced HUHN-ee-moon (/ˈhʌn.iˌmuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “honeymoon” in a sentence?
Here is “honeymoon” used in a sentence: “They spent their honeymoon exploring the coast of Italy.”
What part of speech is “honeymoon”?
“Honeymoon” is a noun.
Is “honeymoon” a common word?
“Honeymoon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “honeymoon” have?
“Honeymoon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vacation taken by a couple right after their wedding.
What is the difference between a honeymoon and a regular vacation?
A honeymoon is specifically a vacation taken by a couple right after their wedding, whereas a regular vacation has no such requirement and can be taken by anyone at any time. The term ties the trip directly to the start of a marriage.
What does 'honeymoon period' mean outside of marriage?
Outside marriage, a honeymoon period refers to a short early phase of goodwill and optimism at the start of something new, such as a new job or a politician's first months in office. It describes a stretch when enthusiasm is high and criticism is muted, before normal scrutiny sets in.
Can a honeymoon period end badly?
Yes, because a honeymoon period is by definition temporary, it is often followed by a return to normal expectations, criticism, or difficulty once the initial optimism fades. This applies to jobs, relationships, and political terms alike.
