1
: any of numerous hymenopterous insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey see africanized bee, bumblebee, carpenter bee, honeybee, sweat bee
2
: an eccentric notion : fancy
see also:
: the letter b
: a gathering of people for a specific purpose
a quilting bee
bachelor of electrical engineering
Examples of bee in a Sentence
Noun (1)
she got a sudden bee to quit her job and move to South Carolina
Recent Examples on the Web
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
The birds use calls and behaviors that help direct people toward wild bees’ nests, while humans respond with their own vocal signals during the search.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Master beekeeper Nicole Palladino is keeping the rooftop at the Westfield Century City shopping center buzzing with activity, as about 30,000 bees work to make honey.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Insects, usually bees, or a strong breeze will transfer the lightweight pollen grains from anther to stigma.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bee
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.
Noun
Many also create a more vibrant garden by attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
The birds use calls and behaviors that help direct people toward wild bees’ nests, while humans respond with their own vocal signals during the search.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Master beekeeper Nicole Palladino is keeping the rooftop at the Westfield Century City shopping center buzzing with activity, as about 30,000 bees work to make honey.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Insects, usually bees, or a strong breeze will transfer the lightweight pollen grains from anther to stigma.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bee
Cite this Entry
“Bee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bee. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bee
1 of 2 noun
: any of numerous insects (as the honeybees and bumblebees) that feed on pollen and nectar and sometimes produce honey and that differ from the wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts
bee
2 of 2 noun
: a gathering of people for a specific purpose
a quilting bee
Etymology
Noun
Old English bēo "bee"
Noun
perhaps from a dialect word been "help given by neighbors," derived from Old English bēn "prayer"
Medical Definition
bee
noun
: honeybee
broadly
: any of numerous hymenopteran insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey see africanized bee
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
