beeswax

noun

bees·​wax ˈbēz-ˌwaks 

1

: a substance that is secreted by honeybees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull, typically yellow solid that is plastic when warm, and that is composed primarily of a mixture of esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids : wax sense 1

Note: Beeswax is typically colorless when first secreted but takes on a yellow or brownish color after bits of pollen, propolis, and other matter becomes mixed in. White beeswax sold commercially consists of yellow beeswax that has been subjected to bleaching or has been filtered to remove impurities. Beeswax is used as an ingredient in various products including candles, cosmetics, and sealants.

2

US, informal : personal concern : business

—used chiefly in the phrases mind your own beeswax and none of your beeswax

Examples of beeswax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of Ziploc baggies and plastic wrap, experts recommend reusable silicone storage bags, parchment paper, beeswax wraps, glass jars and stainless steel containers. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap. —Ryan Brennan may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

The homemade moisturizer recipe combines beef tallow and beeswax melted together over a pot of boiling water, then mixed with squalene and jojoba oil. —Ryan Brennan may 5, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026

But one sample was a combination of beeswax and tar, a mixture unique to Greek shipbuilders known as zopissa. —ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing beeswax

• none of one's beeswax

Rhymes for beeswax

• attacks
• backpacks
• borax
• callbacks
• carfax
• climax
• cutbacks
• drawbacks
• feedbacks
• flashbacks
• greenbacks
• haystacks

Kids Definition

beeswax

noun

bees·​wax ˈbēz-ˌwaks 

: wax entry 1 sense 1

Medical Definition

beeswax

noun

bees·​wax ˈbēz-ˌwaks 

1

: wax sense 1

2

a

: yellow wax

b

: white wax