Definition

Noun: A person who receives an honor, award, or special recognition for their noteworthy accomplishments or contributions.

Usage

The word "honoree" is used to formally identify the individual being celebrated at an event or ceremony, such as an awards dinner, gala, or retirement party. It specifies the recipient of the honor.

Examples

• The honoree gave a moving speech after receiving the lifetime achievement award.
• All guests were asked to stand and applaud the honoree.
• She was the sole honoree at the charity banquet for her philanthropic work.

Advanced Usage

• Principal honoree: Refers to the main or most important person being honored among several.
  • The principal honoree at the university's commencement ceremony was a Nobel laureate.
• Guest of honor: A closely related term often used interchangeably with "honoree" in social contexts, though "guest of honor" can sometimes refer to a distinguished attendee who is not necessarily receiving a formal award.
  • The evening's guest of honor, or honoree, was seated at the head table.

Variants and Related Words

• Honor (noun/verb): The award, recognition, or esteem given; or the act of bestowing it.
  • It was a great honor to be the honoree.
• Honorary (adjective): Conferred as an honor, often without the usual requirements or duties.
  • The honoree received an honorary doctorate.

Synonyms

• Awardee: A person who receives an award.
• Recipient: One who receives something.
• Laureate: A person who is honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement (e.g., Nobel laureate).

Antonyms

• Presenter: A person who bestows an award or honor.
• Donor: A person who gives an award or contribution.

Related Phrases

• In honor of: A phrase used to indicate that an event is dedicated to celebrating a person or their achievements.
  • The dinner was held in honor of the honoree's decades of service.
• To be honored as: Describes the act of being recognized.
  • She was honored as this year's honoree for community leadership.

Noun

1. a recipient of honors in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments