bee

bee · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A flying insect that collects nectar and pollen, known for making honey and living in colonies.

  2. 2.

    A social gathering for a specific activity or competition.

Forms

plural: bees

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    busy as a bee — Very industrious.
  • •
    the bee's knees — Something excellent or outstanding.
  • •
    have a bee in one's bonnet — Be obsessed with something.
  • •
    queen bee — A dominant woman; the most important female.
  • •
    spelling bee — A competition in spelling words.
  • •
    make a beeline for — Go directly toward something.

Related words

See also: bees, hive, honey, insect
Synonyms: honeybee

Etymology

From Old English bēo, from Proto-Germanic bijō, possibly from PIE root meaning "to fear, quiver."