beeswax

noun

bees·wax | \ ˈbēz-ˌwaks

Definition of beeswax

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

The mixture, now available for the first time ever in the U.S., includes rose oil, calcium carbonate, male pine flower pollen, propolis, beeswax, and olive oil. — Samantha Leal, Marie Claire, "This New Moisturizer Actually Heals Your Sunburn," 5 Aug. 2016 And secondly, and more importantly, can't everyone just mind their own beeswax? — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'Counting On' Star Jessa Duggar Defends Her Sister Joy-Anna Against Mommy-Shamers," 27 Feb. 2019 The technique has remained largely the same: Designs are applied using beeswax and a stylus, then dipped and sometimes dyed again. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, "The History of Easter Eggs and Why They're Decorated," 25 Feb. 2019 Shah also recommends Eau Thermale Avène's Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, which contains healing zinc oxide and skin barrier-protecting beeswax. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "How to Treat Facial Eczema, According to Dermatologists," 9 Apr. 2018 Candles of beeswax from her friend who maintains the hives. — Smith Henderson, Popular Mechanics, "Olympia," 20 Nov. 2017 Without added synthetic preservatives (beeswax and essential oils work as natural preservatives), homemade products don’t last as long as store bought. — Allison Young, Good Housekeeping, "How To Make A DIY Face Cream With Skin-Protecting Essential Oils," 15 Nov. 2017 Some of the top hydrating and healing ingredients for dry lips are beeswax, shea butter, moringa oil, dimethicone, and petroleum jelly, Shasa Hu, M.D., dermatologist at the University of Miami Health System, tells SELF. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "We Asked Derms How to Keep Dry Lips Moisturized During Winter and Here’s What They Told Us," 11 Dec. 2018 Those rich people want to get abused, that’s their beeswax. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Glassdoor CEO Robert Hohman explains why reviews with sexual harassment allegations don’t get removed," 15 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beeswax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.