honeybee

noun

hon·​ey·​bee ˈhə-nē-ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
variants or honey bee
: a honey-producing bee (genus Apis of the family Apidae)
especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces

Illustration of honeybee

Illustration of honeybee
  • worker
  • queen
  • drone

Examples of honeybee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only verified cases of honeybee zombees have been in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, South Dakota and Vermont. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Cothron explains that white clover (Trifolium repens) is a leguminous nitrogen-fixing plant that attracts beneficial pollinators, especially honeybees. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 Notably, honeybees don't buzz pollinate and generally ignore tomato plants. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Millions of honeybees escaped into a rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer carrying about 400 hives tipped over, officials said. CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for honeybee

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of honeybee was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Honeybee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeybee. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

honeybee

noun
hon·​ey·​bee -ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
: a bee that produces honey and lives in colonies
especially : a European bee widely kept in hives for the honey it produces

Medical Definition

honeybee

noun
hon·​ey·​bee ˈhən-ē-ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
: a honey-producing bee (Apis and related genera)
especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces

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