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What makes up a bevy?
There’s no need to quail when confronted with a word of uncertain origins; some mysteries are simply destined to remain as such. Etymologists have a bevy of theories about the roots of bevy, for example, but little definitive evidence—and that’s okay! What we do know is that bevy emerged out of Middle English as the collective noun for a number of birds and mammals that were commonly hunted, including pheasants, partridges, roe deer, larks, and especially quail. Bevy is still used in this way today, not only for wild game but for gulls, hens, etc. But bevies are now most often composed of a great many people and things, as in “a bevy of reporters” or “a bevy of menu options.”
Examples of bevy in a Sentence
Essence, 29 June 2025
Considering the bevy of smooth gams that donned them for the show, picking up a bottle of Nair at the pharmacy may also be recommended for the full effect.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
The actress served as the cohost and was among a bevy of guests who posed for photos ahead of the seasonal fete, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum this year.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
The Mavericks, who are expected to take Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick on Wednesday, will have a bevy of talented frontcourt players under contract for next season.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bevy
Cite this Entry
“Bevy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevy. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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