bee

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a meeting where people work together on a project, like sewing or cleaning.

n. a communal gathering of neighbors or friends to accomplish a specific task or share labor.

“The neighbors organized a cleaning bee to tidy up the local park.”

“Historically, a quilting bee served as both a productive labor session and a vital social outlet for women in rural communities.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a competition where people try to do something better than others, especially spelling.

n. a competitive event, most commonly used in the compound 'spelling bee', where participants are eliminated for errors.

“She studied every night to prepare for the school spelling bee.”

“The national spelling bee attracts the most talented young linguists from across the country to compete for the championship title.”

C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Science Technical

n. pieces of wood on a ship's bowsprit used to guide ropes.

n. hardwood blocks bolted to the sides of a bowsprit, through which the fore-topmast stays are reeved.

“The sailor checked the bee on the bowsprit for signs of rot.”

“The shipwright carefully aligned the bees to ensure the stays would not chafe against the timber during heavy weather.”