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 substance, originally tree sap, is collected by bees that combine it with their own saliva and beeswax, turning it into propolis. — Christina Butan, PEOPLE.com, "Kylie Jenner Uses This $14 Throat Spray To Fight Off Colds — and It’s on Amazon," 3 Sep. 2019 Reynders has a skull in the style of the Asmat people of Papua New Guinea, who traditionally decorated the remains of ancestors with beeswax, red seeds, feathers, and ornamental jewelry. — Oscar Schwartz, WIRED, "There’s a Thriving Market for Human Body Parts on Instagram," 21 Aug. 2019 Second, Worker B, the bee- and honey-centric beauty and wellness line, is opening an innovative spa that will include a meditation room coated in beeswax, a float tank and an infrared sauna. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, "Schmidt Brewery Rathskeller to house Rose Street Patisserie cafe, Worker B spa," 24 June 2019 All ilā ingredients, including Himalayan salts, Moringa oil, lavender, beeswax, and rose water, are sourced from local farmers and blended in the brand's barn in the Cotswolds. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "Inside Ilapothecary, the Meghan Markle–Approved Spa Coming to New York," 16 Aug. 2019 Designed by Easthampton mom Michelle Zimora, the reusable wraps are handcrafted with cotton fabrics in lovely designs coated with organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. — Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, "Pretty, practical, and plastic-free food wraps," 22 July 2019 Case in point: The beeswax in her velvety lipsticks and dewy blushes helps preserve a delicate ecosystem. — Megan Mcintyre, Hana Hong, Marie Claire, "11 New Innovations in Sustainable Beauty from Around the Globe," 18 Apr. 2019 This one is laced with organic beeswax and jojoba oil to lock in moisture. — Lisa Desantis, Health.com, "We Tried Lululemon's Brand New Skincare and Beauty Line—Here's What We Thought," 18 June 2019 The majority of mascara formulas often rely on beeswax, which helps with glide and shine. — Glamour, "5 Women Try Kat Von D’s New Vegan Mascara," 19 Apr. 2019

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.