honorable mention

noun

1. a citation conferred on a contestant, exhibit, etc., having exceptional merit though not winning a top honor or prize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honorable mention¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Honorable mention goes to the General Sherman Tree, a giant sequoia that’s one of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Although you cannot swim in it, Machado Lake in Harbor City deserves an honorable mention.

From Los Angeles Times

But first, an honorable mention.

From Los Angeles Times

The piece was awarded an honorable mention.

From Los Angeles Times

Here are 20 of the top outdoor concerts and festivals coming to the Seattle area through Labor Day weekend, with an honorable mention to Bumbershoot, which had yet to reveal its lineup at the time of this writing.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• kudos