plural bevies
1
: a large group or collection
a bevy of girls
2
: a group of animals and especially quail

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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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dodgers’ bevy of starting pitching options afforded them the luxury of moving Sheehan into relief to paper over some of their relief issues. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Jisoo, a member of Blackpink, was one of the most camera savvy of the attendees, getting shots with a bevy of fabulous girls at the show. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 In early 2020, a bevy of new hypercars was announced—several promising at least 300 mph. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 Sanaa diagnosed with a plethora of mental disorders Doctors and other health care professionals diagnosed Sanaa with a bevy of psychological disorders that included depression, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bevy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bevey

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bevy was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bevy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevy. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bevy

noun
plural bevies
: a large group
a bevy of girls

More from Merriam-Webster on bevy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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