propolis

noun

prop·​o·​lis ˈprä-pə-ləs 

: a brownish resinous material of waxy consistency collected by bees from the buds of trees and used as a cement in repairing and maintaining the hive

Examples of propolis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost three-quarters of the formula is propolis extract—propolis being the resin-like material made by bees that brims with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—and supplemented with honey extract. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025

Pure propolis and honey extracts, paired with hyaluronic acid, give this mask its soothing effects. —Meg Donohue, Town & Country, 26 Jan. 2023

Ancient Greek civilizations used propolis to heal scars, Egyptians relied on it to kill infections, and WWII soldiers used it to heal battle wounds. —Dallas News, 18 July 2022

Known for their throat spray, which contains propolis, the company has branched out to a carry a variety of new products — some for immune support and sinus/cough relief and others that feature the best of honey. —Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 29 June 2022

Relatively small human trials have suggested that standardized doses of propolis are safe and could help alleviate ailments like diabetes, respiratory tract infections, asthma and chronic kidney disease. —Molly Glick, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English propoleos, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin propolis, from Greek, from pro- for + polis city — more at pro-, police entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for propolis

• acropolis
• metropolis
• monopolise
• necropolis
• megalopolis