What does HONEY mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun, Verb, Interjection

Definitions

• Noun: a sweet, sticky substance made by bees from flower nectar and used as food.
• Verb: to sweeten with or as if with honey.
• Interjection: used to express affection or endearment.

Pronunciations

• US: /ˈhʌni/
• UK: /ˈhʌni/

Origin and Usage

The word honey comes from the Old English hunig, which is related to the Old Norse word hunang. The word has been used to describe the sweet substance made by bees since at least the 10th century. As a verb, honey has been used since the 14th century to mean "to sweeten with honey." As an interjection, honey has been used since at least the 1920s to express affection or endearment.

Synonyms

• sugar
• sweetener
• syrup
• nectar

Related Words

• beehive
• pollen
• sting
• queen
• hives

Example Sentences

• The honey tastes delicious on toast.
• She likes to honey her tea instead of using sugar.
• "Oh honey, you look so pretty today!"