homage

noun

hom·​age ˈä-mij How to pronounce homage (audio) ˈhä- How to pronounce homage (audio)
 sense 2b is often  ō-ˈmäzh
1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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 talentPeople

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 (or vassal) 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.

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

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 In addition to honoring Jeff Valla’s legacy, the store, and Mittal’s work in general, is an homage to the everyday sounds that soundtrack Indian life. Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 7 Mar. 2024 With this episode, Community brilliantly took such a relatable yet low-stakes situation and elevated it by depicting the study group's attempt to control Greendale's chicken finger market through a hilarious and glorious Goodfellas homage. Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 The name, Station 3, is an homage to when the building was a volunteer fire station in the ‘70s. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The decor is an amusingly mixed homage to local landmarks such as the Pleasant Hill Motor Movies drive-in theater, which stood on this site before demolition in the 1970s. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Adding to the confusion: Lamy had already unveiled a new ink for 2024 called Violet Blackberry, which many assumed was a homage to Dark Lilac. Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 The event’s name is an homage to the title of Davis’ 2013 autobiography and a 2017 documentary film of the same name. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 Her fascination with Rachel Scott’s Diotima stems from how the brand is an homage to the designer’s home country, Jamaica. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 26 Feb. 2024 Fashion homages include Parton’s childhood Coat of Many Colors, her duetting years with Porter Wagoner, her movie-star turns in 9 to 5 and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and her memorable 2014 performance before a crowd of 180,000 at Glastonbury, England. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of homage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near homage

Cite this Entry

“Homage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

homage

noun
hom·​age ˈ(h)äm-ij How to pronounce homage (audio)
1
: a ceremony in which a person pledged allegiance to a lord and became his vassal
2
: something done or given in fulfilling a vassal's duty to a lord
3
: respect entry 1 sense 2a, honor
paid homage to her

More from Merriam-Webster on homage

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