honeys

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of honey.

   The shop specializes in wildflower and clover honeys from regional beekeepers.

   Dark and light honeys differ noticeably in flavor and aroma.

   Note

   Only some meanings of honey take a plural. The substance itself is usually a mass noun, so honeys names kinds of it: clover and wildflower honeys, dark and light honeys. The affectionate use and the informal 'attractive woman' use count naturally, so honeys can also mean people. The y stays before -s, as in keys, and the same spelling serves the verb's present tense.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present indicative of honey.

   The waiter honeys each cup of chamomile before bringing it to the table.

   He honeys his oatmeal instead of adding sugar.

   Note

   Two kinds of verb share this form. Transitively, with an object, someone honeys tea or honeys their words, sweetening them literally or figuratively. Intransitively, with no object, someone simply coaxes, talks fondly or fawns. Context decides whether the tone is warmth or flattery. The -s form appears only after a singular he, she or it subject.

   He honeys and flatters until the manager gives in.

   Whenever she wants a favor, she honeys shamelessly.

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