honeycomb

1 of 2

noun

hon·​ey·​comb ˈhə-nē-ˌkōm 

1

: a mass of hexagonal wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain their brood and stores of honey

2

: something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance

especially : a strong lightweight cellular structural material

honeycomb

2 of 2

verb

honeycombed; honeycombing; honeycombs

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to be full of cavities like a honeycomb

b

: to make into a checkered pattern : fret

2

a

: to penetrate into every part : fill

b

: subvert, weaken

intransitive verb

: to become pitted, checked, or cellular

Examples of honeycomb in a Sentence

Noun

One of the honeycombs was empty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her tour-de-force underground spa features an 82-foot swimming pool beneath light fittings modeled on Islamic honeycomb niches (muqarnas) that reflect in the water. —Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026

The shorts are offered in a variety of fabrics including the bestselling Japanese honeycomb, seersucker, warp waffle, nylon warp knit, jersey, sateen and others. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026

Verb

Cellular or Honeycomb Shades Cellular or honeycomb shades present an entirely different aesthetic, which may be better suited to your interior style, type of windows, or personal taste. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026

Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1735, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for honeycomb

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome
• monochrome

Kids Definition

honeycomb

1 of 2 noun

hon·​ey·​comb -ˌkōm 

1

: a mass of six-sided wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain young bees and stores of honey

2

: something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance

honeycomb

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become full of holes like a honeycomb

Medical Definition

honeycomb

noun

hon·​ey·​comb -ˌkōm 

: reticulum sense 1