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.
Links in the chain The Himalayan cliff bee, Apis laboriosa, is the world’s largest honeybee. — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Plus, the diseases that affect European honeybees also have an impact on natives. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The practice, known as hive air therapy, is claimed to promote health, relaxation and general well-being through the use of honeybees. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026 The females can sting, but lack the instinct to guard their nest like a honeybee. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 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

Rhymes for honeybee

See All Rhymes for honeybee

Browse Nearby Words

honey bear
honeybee
honey beige
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Honeybee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeybee. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on honeybee

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about honeybee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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