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
: the letter b
: a gathering of people for a specific purpose
a quilting bee
bachelor of electrical engineering
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
Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
Alicea plays Queenie, the tough queen bee, a seemingly fearless leader whose hard edges cover up her vulnerability.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
With its grandiose guanacaste trees and colorful flowers pollinated by indigenous bees, wasps and hummingbirds, Reserva Conchal is perfect for a thorough immersion into the dazzling flora found in abundance across western Costa Rica.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Use scents that deter bees around your home, such as peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus and thyme.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bee
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Noun
Learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, smart irrigation, vegetable gardening, and flower species to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
Alicea plays Queenie, the tough queen bee, a seemingly fearless leader whose hard edges cover up her vulnerability.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
With its grandiose guanacaste trees and colorful flowers pollinated by indigenous bees, wasps and hummingbirds, Reserva Conchal is perfect for a thorough immersion into the dazzling flora found in abundance across western Costa Rica.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Use scents that deter bees around your home, such as peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus and thyme.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bee
Cite this Entry
“Bee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bee. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bee
1 of 2 noun
: 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
: 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
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