bumblebee

noun

bum·​ble·​bee ˈbəm-bəl-ˌbē 

variants or less commonly bumble bee

: any of numerous large robust hairy social bees (genus Bombus)

Examples of bumblebee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even in bumblebees, which biologists believe are magnetoreceptive, there remain many questions and doubts about their use of this sense. — Laura Russo, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Also known as Bombus auricomus, the black-and-gold bumblebee is native to North America and builds below ground nests in the grasslands of Illinois. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

The many species and varieties available flower in a rainbow of colors and are wonderful for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

From the sparkle of the morning sun to the hum of a bumblebee to the bright sweetness of lemonade, yellow is definitely a summer color. — Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bumblebee

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

bumblebee

noun

bum·​ble·​bee ˈbəm-bəl-ˌbē 

: any of numerous large hairy social bees