honeybee

noun

hon·​ey·​bee ˈhə-nē-ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
variants or honey bee
: a honey-producing bee (genus Apis of the family Apidae)
especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces

Illustration of honeybee

Illustration of honeybee
  • worker
  • queen
  • drone

Examples of honeybee 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.
Insects, and especially native honeybees, helped produce more than 20% of total vitamin E, vitamin A and folate intake. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 6 May 2026 Officials report thousands of honeybees died during the event, due to the tussle between Woods and the deputies, and female honeybees dying after using their stingers. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 This requires the work of bees—both native species and the domestic honeybee. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 Franklin Coffee House rolls out summer sips like honeybee latte, plus fresh berry bowls. Sarah Miller, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honeybee

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Honeybee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeybee. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

honeybee

noun
hon·​ey·​bee -ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
: a bee that produces honey and lives in colonies
especially : a European bee widely kept in hives for the honey it produces

Medical Definition

honeybee

noun
hon·​ey·​bee ˈhən-ē-ˌbē How to pronounce honeybee (audio)
: a honey-producing bee (Apis and related genera)
especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces

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