bee

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈbē How to pronounce bee (audio)
Synonyms of beenext
1
: any of numerous hymenopterous insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey see africanized bee, bumblebee, carpenter bee, honeybee, sweat bee
2
: an eccentric notion : fancy
beelike
ˈbē-ˌlīk How to pronounce bee (audio)
adjective
see also:
bee in one's bonnet

bee

2 of 4

noun (2)

: the letter b

bee

3 of 4

noun (3)

: a gathering of people for a specific purpose
a quilting bee

BEE

4 of 4

abbreviation

bachelor of electrical engineering

Synonyms of bee

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Noun (1)

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Examples of bee in a Sentence

Noun (1) she got a sudden bee to quit her job and move to South Carolina
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.
Noun
Many a middle-schooler has had to play tetherball, but how many dared to add bees to the mix? — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 There’s local cheese dusted with bee pollen from the island’s own hives. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 These tanks, along with the plant’s colorful leaves also help to lure the plant’s pollinators such as the Big Three — bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. — Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026 Insider tip Follow the paths through the lavender fields at sunset, when the bees begin to settle and the fields catch the last of the ethereal light. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bee

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English bēo; akin to Old High German bīa bee, Old Irish bech, Lithuanian bitis

Noun (3)

perhaps from English dialect been help given by neighbors, from Middle English bene prayer, boon, from Old English bēn prayer — more at boon entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bee was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing bee

Rhymes for bee

See All Rhymes for bee

Browse Nearby Words

Będzin
bee
BEE
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bee. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

bee

1 of 2 noun
ˈbē How to pronounce bee (audio)
: any of numerous insects (as the honeybees and bumblebees) that feed on pollen and nectar and sometimes produce honey and that differ from the wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts

bee

2 of 2 noun
: a gathering of people for a specific purpose
a quilting bee
Etymology

Noun

Old English bēo "bee"

Noun

perhaps from a dialect word been "help given by neighbors," derived from Old English bēn "prayer"

Medical Definition

bee

noun
ˈbē How to pronounce bee (audio)
: honeybee
broadly : any of numerous hymenopteran insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey see africanized bee

More from Merriam-Webster on bee

Nglish: Translation of bee for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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