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
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Other bumble bee species include the larger Sonoran bumble bee, the California bumblebee and Crotch’s bumble bee. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 Goodies included a miniature version of Jack Black’s character in the movie, expert crafter Steve and a bumblebee straight out of the game. Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 May 2025 This pollen can only be dislodged by a strong breeze or by the frenzied wing-flapping of bumblebees or solitary bees. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025 Deodorant packs, including case and refills, retail in the U.K. for 12 pounds, with cases available in fun prints like pink cats, snowflakes or a bumblebee collaboration with Emma Bridgewater. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bumblebee

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bumblebee was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Bumblebee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumblebee. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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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