What does honeymoon mean?
A honeymoon most commonly denotes a holiday or journey taken by newlyweds after their wedding, although it can also mean the early period of a marriage or relationship. The usual implication is intimacy, romance, novelty, and shared experience, which is why the word has become a metaphor for the happy or promising beginning of almost any close partnership. In business, political, and cultural contexts, “honeymoon phase” may describe a period of rapid growth, public enthusiasm, or unusually smooth relations. The word is neutral in tone rather than strictly formal, and it can be used affectionately or critically when the described stage is expected to end. Verb forms such as “honeymooned” and “honeymooning” are established but less frequent than the noun. Historically, the compound combined “honey” with “moon,” evoking a sweet or luminous month associated with newly married couples.
A holiday, journey, or period enjoyed by newlyweds, or figuratively the happy and romantic initial stage of a marriage or relationship.
"They celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands."
The figurative sense is especially common in discussions of relationships, businesses, governments, and public enthusiasm.
To travel or stay away as newlyweds, usually immediately after marriage.
"The couple honeymooned on a quiet island after the ceremony."
This use is less frequent than the noun and often occurs in narrative or journalistic writing.
The standard plural is “honeymoons.”
"Their first two honeymoons took them to Italy and Iceland."
Before it meant a vacation, “honeymoon” evoked the sweetness and romance of a newly married couple's first month together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does honeymoon come from?
“Honeymoon” dates from the late 16th century and was formed from “honey” and “moon,” the latter element having an older sense associated with a month. Early usage evoked a sweet, fortunate early stage of love or marriage, while the now-dominant sense of a newlyweds’ trip became established during the 19th century. Its first element is related to Old English hunig and to cognates such as German Honig, Dutch honing, and Swedish honung.
Related word forms
How honeymoon is actually used
The word is neutral in register but usually carries warm, romantic associations. Figurative uses often describe a promising or happy early stage, though they can also imply that the closeness or success is temporary.