beeline

1 of 2

noun

bee·​line ˈbē-ˌlīn How to pronounce beeline (audio)
: a straight direct course

beeline

2 of 2

verb

beelined; beelining; beelines

intransitive verb

: to go quickly in a straight direct course

Examples of beeline in a Sentence

Verb He beelined out the door.
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.
Noun
While Ziomek beelines to the dining room of the estate for vintage linens and statement pieces for entertaining, other shoppers like Jessica Lev, owner of Jessica Lev Antiques in Houston, Texas, have their sights set on accessories like china sets and leather books. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 When the inning ended, Lindor made a beeline toward the dugout. Will Sammon, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
Folks who want to experience Canada’s wild should beeline to one of its famed preserves. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025 Krumholz said there’s no reason for every woman to now beeline to the doctor’s office. Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beeline

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the belief that nectar-laden bees return to their hives in a direct line

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beeline was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beeline. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

beeline

noun
bee·​line
ˈbē-ˌlīn
: a straight direct course

More from Merriam-Webster on beeline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!