honeymoon
HUN-ee-moon
/ˈhʌnimuːn/
A holiday taken by a newly married couple; also, an initial period of harmony in a new relationship or project.
While primarily a vacation, it metaphorically describes the 'grace period' of any new endeavor before reality sets in.
The story behind the word. The term dates back to the 16th century, combining 'honey' (referring to the sweetness of new marriage) and 'moon' (referring to the inevitable waning of that sweetness, just as the moon wanes). Some legends link it to the ancient tradition of drinking mead (honey wine) for a month after the wedding.
Word relationships
- post-nuptial trip: Much more formal and clinical than 'honeymoon'.
Commonly confused with
- babymoon: A babymoon is a vacation taken by a couple expecting a child, rather than a newly married couple.
Word family
- honeymooner (noun): A person who is on their honeymoon.
Collocations
- honeymoon period
- honeymoon destination
- go on a honeymoon
Idioms & expressions
- the honeymoon is over
Example sentences
- "The new president's honeymoon with the press ended abruptly after the first budget was released." Describing the early days of a political term.
- "They had been married a month, and were still on their honeymoon." A classic literary reference to the post-wedding trip.
Memory hook
Think of a moon made of honey—it's sweet and bright at first, but eventually, the moon changes phases. Sweetness that wanes like the moon.
When not to use
Avoid using it for a casual vacation with friends; it specifically implies a romantic or post-wedding context.
Fun facts
- In many cultures, the 'honeymoon' was historically the period when the groom would hide the bride from her relatives.
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