honeymoon

[ huhn-ee-moon ]

noun

1. a vacation or trip taken by a newly married couple (often used attributively):

   After you've said "I do," why not escape to a dream honeymoon in Greece?

   Relax and kindle the flame of passion in one of our honeymoon suites.

2. a period of harmony at the beginning of a marriage:

   After the initial honeymoon, there may be a temptation to let routine take over.

3. any period of blissful harmony:

   Their entire 60 years of marriage was one long honeymoon.

4. any new relationship characterized by an initial period of harmony and goodwill:

   The honeymoon between Congress and the new president was over.

verb (used without object)

1. to spend one's honeymoon (usually followed by in or at ):

   In a few months we’ll be honeymooning in New Zealand, and we can't wait!

honeymoon

/ ˈhʌnɪˌmuːn /

noun

1. 1. a holiday taken by a newly married couple
   2. ( as modifier )

      a honeymoon cottage

2. a holiday considered to resemble a honeymoon

   a second honeymoon

3. the early, usually calm period of a relationship, such as a political or business one

verb

1. intr to take a honeymoon

Derived Forms

• ˈhoneyˌmooner, noun

Other Words From

• hon·ey·moon·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of honeymoon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; honey + moon

Word History and Origins

Origin of honeymoon¹

C16: traditionally explained as an allusion to the feelings of married couples as changing with the phases of the moon

Example Sentences

She had no reason to suspect it was in fact all a sham, but as they returned from their "honeymoon" in March - just four months after McDonald had left prison - the net was closing in.

From BBC

Dowden was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer aged 32 in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the day before she went on her honeymoon.

From BBC

Even the couple's honeymoon is a nod to their first conversation.

From BBC

She also shares her fond memory of making out with a handsome stranger while on her honeymoon in Italy.

From Los Angeles Times

The dancer was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer aged 32 in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the day before she went on her honeymoon.

From BBC