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

Similar flavors were carried through to the palate, with additional cardamom, beeswax, and Thai basil notes. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Dessert was a thyme-honey cream served in a handmade beeswax bowl. —Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025

Stop flogging yourself over something that is nobody’s beeswax. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025

The ingredients are surprisingly simple — essential oils, petroleum jelly and beeswax, melted in a rice cooker. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 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