bee-eater

bee–eat·er

noun \ˈbē-ˌē-tər\

Definition of BEE-EATER

: any of a family (Meropidae) of brightly colored slender-billed insectivorous chiefly tropical Old World birds

First Known Use of BEE-EATER

1668

Rhymes with BEE-EATER

excreter, heat treater, light meter, long meter, preheater, quartz heater, retreater, space heater

bee-eater

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Bee-eater (Merops apiaster).—S.C. Porter—Bruce Coleman Ltd.

Any of about 25 species of brightly coloured birds (family Meropidae) that feed on bees, wasps, and other insects. They are found throughout tropical and subtropical Eurasia, Africa, and Australasia (one species occasionally reaches the British Isles). Bee-eaters range in length from 6 to 14 in. (15–35 cm). Their bill is moderately long, slightly downcurved, and pointed. Their brilliant plumage is usually predominantly green, but many species are partially coloured with red, yellow, blue, or purple.