1 homage | Definition of homage
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

homage

noun
hom·​age | \ ˈÀ-mij How to pronounce homage (audio) , ˈhĂ€-, sense 2b is often ƍ-ˈmĂ€zh How to pronounce homage (audio) \

Definition of homage

1a : a feudal ceremony by which a man acknowledges himself the vassal of a lord
b : the relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal
c : an act done or payment made in meeting the obligations due from a vassal to a feudal lord
2a : expression of high regard : respect bowed in homage to the king —often used with pay Her work pays homage to women artists of the past.
b : something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another : tribute his long life filled with international homages to his unique musical talent — People
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about homage

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for homage

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition. the nomination is an honor homage adds the implication of accompanying praise. paying homage to Shakespeare reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe. great reverence for my father deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence. showed no deference to their elders

Did You Know?

The root of homage is homo-, the Latin root meaning "man." In medieval times, a king's male subject could officially become the king's "man" by publicly announcing allegiance to the monarch in a formal ceremony. In that ritual, known as homage, the subject knelt and placed his hands between those of his lord, symbolically surrendering himself and putting himself at the lord's disposal and under his jurisdiction. A bond was thus forged between the two; the vassal's part was to revere and serve his lord, and the lord's role was to protect the vassal and his family. Over time, homage was extended from the ceremony to the acts of duty and respect done for the lord, and eventually to any respectful act or tribute.

Examples of homage in a Sentence

The book is a deeply personal homage to her favorite city. the poem is a moving homage to all who have served in our nation's armed services

Recent Examples on the Web

 The video, which already has 47 million views in two weeks, is an homage to hits from the early 2000s, including works by BeyoncĂ©, Ciara, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and others. — Emily Yahr, BostonGlobe.com, "MTV VMAs: 5 things to know, from Missy Elliott’s moment to John Travolta’s gaffe," 27 Aug. 2019 This car is an homage to the Bugatti EB110 supercar of the early 1990s. — Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, "Bugatti is only making 10 of these $9 million supercars," 16 Aug. 2019 Frasier Crane’s spacious condo in Seattle’s fictional Elliott bay Towers was an homage to 1990s sophistication. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The best decor to shop from your favorite TV shows," 13 Aug. 2019 His first mural for the City Walls program was an homage to local pop culture featuring Cartier glasses and a quote from the late Detroit rapper Blade Icewood. — Ryan Patrick Hooper, Detroit Free Press, "Sheefy McFly arrested by Detroit police — while working on mural for the city," 22 June 2019 Representing the Rebellion are the Chewie Rocking Stool, which is of course an homage to the beloved Wookiee Chewbacca, right down to his signature bandolier. — Jeffrey Bauman, ELLE Decor, "The Star Wars Furniture You've Always Dreamed About Is Finally Available in the U.S.," 18 June 2019 That name is an homage to the building's original use as a home for prominent attorney Charles A. Koeffler. — Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New plans arise to convert a historic former downtown Milwaukee house into a boutique hotel and lounge," 12 June 2019 The final one, facing the foul pole, is an homage to Cleveland fans: 455. — Marc Bona, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Indians fans’ streak of 455 sellouts began 24 years ago this week," 10 June 2019 His 2002 miniseries Rose Red was an homage of sorts. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Haunting of Hill House," 22 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'homage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of homage

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for homage

Middle English, from Anglo-French homage, omage, from home man, vassal, from Latin homin-, homo human being; akin to Old English guma human being, Latin humus earth — more at humble

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for homage

homage

noun
How to pronounce homage (audio) How to pronounce homage (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of homage

: respect or honor
: something that is done to honor someone or something

See the full definition for homage in the English Language Learners Dictionary

homage

noun
hom·​age | \ ˈÀ-mij How to pronounce homage (audio) , ˈhĂ€-\

Kids Definition of homage

1 : a feudal ceremony in which a person pledges loyalty to a lord and becomes a vassal
2 : respect entry 1 sense 1 We paid homage to our ancestors.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on homage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for homage

Spanish Central: Translation of homage

Nglish: Translation of homage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of homage for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about homage

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!