bee balm

noun

1
: any of several monardas
especially : a perennial monarda (Monarda didyma) of eastern North America having showy flower heads made up of scarlet tubular flowers
2
: lemon balm

Examples of bee balm 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.
Mondarda fistulosa, also known as native bee balm, is one type of plant master gardener Colleen Dieter especially loves to save seeds from. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026 For best results, Langelo says to cut bee balm (Monarda didyma) back 6 inches above the ground before dividing. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 The scent of bee balm is also appealing to lacewings, which then eat harmful pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 Perennials like hostas, coneflowers, and bee balm will slowly spread to fill in a flower bed. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bee balm

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bee balm was in 1792

Rhymes for bee balm

See All Rhymes for bee balm

Browse Nearby Words

beeball
bee balm
Beebe
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Cite this Entry

“Bee balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bee%20balm. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bee balm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bee balm

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