honeymoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “honeymoon” mean?
A holiday taken by a newly married couple immediately after their wedding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A holiday taken by a newly married couple immediately after their wedding.
An initial period of enthusiasm, harmony, or prosperity, especially at the start of a new relationship, job, or political term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The verb usage 'to honeymoon' is equally common. UK English may more readily accept 'go on honeymoon' without an article.
Connotations
Identical romantic and positive connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and familiar in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “honeymoon” in a Sentence
go on (a) honeymoonspend your honeymoon (in + place)honeymoon is over (idiom)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “honeymoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They plan to honeymoon in the Maldives.
- After the wedding, they honeymooned for three weeks.
American English
- They're going to honeymoon in Hawaii.
- The couple honeymooned at a secluded resort.
adjective
British English
- They booked a honeymoon suite with a sea view.
- The travel agent specialises in honeymoon packages.
American English
- They stayed in a honeymoon cabin in the mountains.
- The resort offered a honeymoon discount.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new CEO's honeymoon period with investors lasted six months.'
Academic
Used in political science/sociology to describe the initial public approval of a new leader or government.
Everyday
Primarily used to discuss wedding plans and holidays.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “honeymoon”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “honeymoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “honeymoon”
- Incorrect article use: 'We went to *honeymoon in Greece.' (Correct: '...on (a) honeymoon...')
- Using plural incorrectly for the event: 'They had two honeymoons.' (Possible but non-standard; 'honeymoon trips' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can. For example: 'They honeymooned in Greece.'
It means the initial period of goodwill, ease, or enthusiasm in a new situation has ended, and reality or difficulties have set in.
Traditionally, yes. In modern usage, it sometimes refers to a romantic holiday for any committed couple, but the core meaning remains tied to marriage.
There's no set length. It can range from a long weekend to several weeks, depending on the couple's preferences and circumstances.
A holiday taken by a newly married couple immediately after their wedding.
Honeymoon is usually neutral in register.
Honeymoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌn.i.muːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌn.i.muːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The honeymoon is over.”
- “A honeymoon period.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sweetness of 'honey' combined with the glowing light of the 'moon' — a sweet, romantic time for a new couple.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NEW RELATIONSHIP / SITUATION IS A HONEYMOON (a temporary period of idealized perfection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'honeymoon' used metaphorically?