bumblebee

noun

bum·​ble·​bee ˈbəm-bəl-ˌbē How to pronounce bumblebee (audio)
variants or less commonly bumble bee
: any of numerous large robust hairy social bees (genus Bombus)

Examples of bumblebee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Such flowers require buzz pollination, when bumblebees use their flight muscles to vibrate their bodies, shaking loose a shower of pollen. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024 For example, swap paper or cardboard targets for seats, and musical chairs can become musical frogs on lily pads, dogs in dog houses, butterflies on flowers, bumblebees in hives, and so on. Catherine Holecko, Parents, 30 July 2024 Share [Findings] An extinction-risk model was found to work well for bumblebees. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 17 July 2024 The set includes three bowls adorned with beautiful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, bumblebees, and dragonflies and is perfect for ice cream, yogurt, or any small-sized snack. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for bumblebee 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bumblebee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bumblebee was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near bumblebee

Cite this Entry

“Bumblebee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumblebee. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

bumblebee

noun
bum·​ble·​bee ˈbəm-bəl-ˌbē How to pronounce bumblebee (audio)
: any of numerous large hairy social bees

More from Merriam-Webster on bumblebee

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