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.
Paper guides can be purchased upon arrival, with an honor system for payment. David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 Instead, locals sell the extra avocados and bananas from their trees on roadside stands with a jar nearby for leaving payment on an honor system. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024 Back then, radio stations were on the honor system to report airplay. Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 11 June 2024 Most opioid settlements require such reports but operate on an honor system. Aneri Pattani, NPR, 16 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

Dictionary Entries Near honor system

Cite this Entry

“Honor system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honor%20system. Accessed 15 Jan. 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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