What does honeymooning mean?
Honeymooning means travelling or staying somewhere as a newly married couple, usually to celebrate the marriage. It describes both the activity and the period of married life imagined as especially romantic and carefree. Typical contexts include a wedding trip, a newlywed couple at a resort, and a description of life immediately after the ceremony. The expression has a warm, somewhat traditional tone and may sound more affectionate or old-fashioned than the plainer "go on honeymoon." Historically, a honeymoon was associated with the changes of the moon, while the word "honey" has long conveyed sweetness and pleasure. The compound therefore captures both the idea of a fresh beginning and the traditional image of newlywed happiness. Although modern couples often travel independently, honeymooning remains a familiar and evocative expression in stories about weddings and marriage.
verbTo travel or stay somewhere as a newly married couple on a honeymoon. It can also refer to a couple's period of married life regarded as especially happy or romantic.
- To travel or stay somewhere as a newly married couple, usually on a trip celebrating the marriage.
"After the ceremony, they spent three weeks honeymooning on the coast."
"They went honeymooning in Greece after their wedding."
"The newlyweds continued honeymooning at a quiet lakeside hotel."
A honeymoon turns the moon's name into a celebration of newlywed bliss.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does honeymooning come from?
"Honeymoon" is an English compound formed from "honey" and "moon." The verb "honeymoon" developed from the noun, and "honeymooning" is its present-participle and gerund form, used in the same way as other English verbs ending in -ing.
Related word forms
How honeymooning is actually used
The word is somewhat old-fashioned and romantic in tone. In modern English, "go on honeymoon" is generally more common, while "honeymooning" is especially natural in narratives about a wedding trip.