English Reference

Word

honey

Phoneticshon·ey, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈhəni/

UK/hˈʌni/

Definitions

01sweet food from bees

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun

n. a sweet, thick, gold-coloured liquid that bees make from flowers.

n. a sweet, viscous fluid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. Uncountable in its general sense.

“I like to put a spoonful of honey in my tea when I have a cold.”

“The local market sells various types of organic honey, each with a distinct flavour profile depending on the flowers the bees visited.”

Synonyms

02a colour

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a warm, golden-yellow colour.

n. a spectrum of pale yellow to brownish-yellow colour resembling the appearance of bee honey.

“The wood of the old desk had turned a beautiful shade of honey over the years.”

“The interior designer recommended a honey palette for the living room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.”

Synonyms

03attractive person

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Slang · Informal

n. a slang word for an attractive person.

n. a slang term for an attractive person, typically a woman. Often perceived as dated or objectifying.

“He thought she was a real honey and asked for her number.”

“The lyrics of the 1950s pop song frequently used the word honey to refer to the singer's love interest.”

Synonyms

04colour or taste

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having the colour or sweet taste of honey.

adj. resembling honey in colour, consistency, or sweetness.

“The sunlight gave the fields a honey glow in the late afternoon.”

“The wine was noted for its honey notes and smooth finish, making it an excellent dessert pairing.”

Synonyms

05to sweeten

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to add honey to something or to make something sound nicer.

v. to sweeten with honey or to make something more agreeable through pleasant words.

“She tried to honey her request with a bright smile.”

“The diplomat attempted to honey his criticism with praise for the nation's recent cultural achievements.”

Synonyms

sweetensugarcoat

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to specific varieties or commercial jars.

Word family

Related words

Idioms

The word in film

Poster for A Taste of Honey

Poster: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

A Taste of Honey · 1961 · Drama

Directed by:
Tony Richardson
Starring:
Rita Tushingham, Dora Bryan, Robert Stephens

Tony Richardson directs this poignant British drama about a young woman navigating loneliness and an unexpected pregnancy in industrial northern England. The title employs the golden syrup as a poetic symbol for warmth, affection, and the sweet comforts of companionship that remain painfully elusive.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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