honor system

noun

: a system (as at a college) whereby persons are trusted to abide by the regulations (as for a code of conduct) without supervision or surveillance

Examples of honor system in a Sentence

Customers are on the honor system to pay for any software they choose to purchase.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each campus decided whether to use an honor system or, if not, how the devices would be stored or locked up. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025 The courts effectively operate on an honor system, relying on the good faith and accuracy of pleadings filed by lawyers, said Broward Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Ben Wieder and, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 There are no staff but instead an honor system, which allows visitors to serve themselves a coffee in exchange for a donation. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 Paper guides can be purchased upon arrival, with an honor system for payment. David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for honor system

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of honor system was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Honor system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor%20system. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

honor system

noun
: a system (as at a school) where persons are trusted to follow the rules without supervision
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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