B1noun1K

Honey

UK /["/ˈhʌni/"]/US /["/ˈhʌni/"]/

Definition

a sweet, sticky yellow-brown substance made by bees that is spread on bread, etc. like jam

In simple words: A sweet, sticky liquid made by bees from flower nectar.

Examples

  • How do bees make honey?
  • a jar of locally produced honey
  • to gather honey from the hive
  • Have you seen my keys, honey?
  • He can be a real honey when he wants to be.
  • He dreamed of emigrating to Canada—the land of milk and honey.

Usage notes

Used in cooking and as a sweetener. Can be informal when referring to someone affectionately. Avoid in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of bees making a sweet treat in a 'honey' jar.

Collocations

  • clear
  • runny
  • wild
  • jar
  • pot
  • make
  • produce
  • gather
  • bee
  • as sweet as honey

Synonyms

  • nectar
  • syrup
  • sweetener
  • golden liquid

Antonyms

  • bitter
  • sour

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'honeydew', which is a type of melon.
  • Using 'honeys' as a plural for 'honey' when referring to types.