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

Pros: Thick texture makes this great for dry, cracked hands and winter temps; lemon scent is a nice touch; large container will last a long time Cons: Tin can be a bit difficult to open Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, beeswax, lemon peel oil Size: 0.6 oz. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 July 2025

The original formula blends beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and peppermint oil. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 24 June 2025

Avoid plastic wrap or zip-top bags, and instead wrap your cheese in parchment paper, wax paper, beeswax wraps, or cheese paper, giving it a chance to breathe while retaining its moisture. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

That said, the beeswax forms a solid barrier but is not the most hydrating, especially during the dead of winter. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 24 June 2025

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