Definition

Noun: * The person in whose honor a gathering is held: The individual who is the central reason for a social event, celebration, or ceremony. This person is typically given special recognition, attention, and a place of prominence.

Usage

The term "guest of honor" is used to formally identify the primary honoree at an event. It is a singular noun phrase, though it can be pluralized as "guests of honor" if multiple people are being honored equally. * It is commonly used in contexts such as award dinners, retirement parties, weddings (e.g., the couple), birthday celebrations, tribute galas, and welcoming ceremonies. * The phrase often appears on invitations, programs, and in speeches.

Examples

• At the charity gala, the founder was introduced as the guest of honor.
• We are hosting a dinner party, and my professor is the guest of honor.
• The award ceremony had two guests of honor: the scientist and her lead researcher.
• Please ensure the guest of honor has the seat at the head of the table.

Advanced Usage

• The role often involves specific protocols, such as being seated in a place of prominence, being the first to be served, or giving a speech of thanks.
• The phrase can be used metaphorically in informal contexts to humorously indicate someone receiving special treatment.
  • Since you cooked this fantastic meal, you are the guest of honor and don't have to do the dishes.

Variants and Related Words

• Honoree (noun): A more formal, single-word synonym for "guest of honor."
• VIP / Very Important Person (noun): A broader term for someone accorded special privileges, which may include a guest of honor.
• Host (noun): The person who organizes and invites others to an event; this is the counterpart to the guest of honor.

Synonyms

• Honoree
• Primary guest
• Person of honor

Antonyms

• Host
• Regular guest / Attendee

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be in someone's honor: Describes an event held for a specific person.
  • This banquet is held in her honor. (She is the guest of honor.)
• To do someone the honors: To perform a special task, such as giving a toast or cutting a cake, often done for or by the guest of honor.
  • The retiring CEO did the honors of cutting the ribbon for the new building.

Noun

1. the person in whose honor a gathering is held