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What makes up a bevy?
There’s no need to quail when confronted with a word of uncertain origins; some mysteries are simply destined to remain as such. Etymologists have a bevy of theories about the roots of bevy, for example, but little definitive evidence—and that’s okay! What we do know is that bevy emerged out of Middle English as the collective noun for a number of birds and mammals that were commonly hunted, including pheasants, partridges, roe deer, larks, and especially quail. Bevy is still used in this way today, not only for wild game but for gulls, hens, etc. But bevies are now most often composed of a great many people and things, as in “a bevy of reporters” or “a bevy of menu options.”
Examples of bevy in a Sentence
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
Bolstered by a bevy of veggies and filling potatoes, this hearty stew is a great way to stretch your ground beef.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
Asia, meanwhile, will take you on a journey through a bevy of ports, including spots in Seoul, Tianjin (with Beijing and the Great Wall nearby), Otaru, Akita, and more.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
Not to mention an essential for a bevy of A-listers, including Cynthia Erivo and Dianna Agron.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bevy
Cite this Entry
“Bevy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevy. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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