honorary

/ˈɑn.əˌɹɛɹ.i/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: honoraries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Given as an honor, with no duties attached, and without payment.

Adjective

Examples

honorary degree; honorary citizen

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Voluntary.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person who holds an honorary appointment.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A kind of secret society that operates in name only, with membership given to honor some achievement.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “honorary” mean?

Given as an honor, with no duties attached, and without payment.

Is “honorary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.