bee
n.-
1 the insect (n.) A2 Elementarya flying insect with a hairy body that collects pollen and sometimes makes honey.
a winged, pollen-collecting insect of the clade Anthophila, often characterized by its social structure and honey production.
ExampleA large bee was buzzing around the flowers in the garden.
ExampleThe decline of the local bee population has significant implications for the pollination of commercial fruit orchards in the valley.
- honeybee
- bumblebee
-
2 a social gathering (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea meeting where people work together on a project, like sewing or cleaning.
a communal gathering of neighbors or friends to accomplish a specific task or share labor.
ExampleThe neighbors organized a cleaning bee to tidy up the local park.
ExampleHistorically, a quilting bee served as both a productive labor session and a vital social outlet for women in rural communities.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 a competition (n.) B1 Intermediatea competition where people try to do something better than others, especially spelling.
a competitive event, most commonly used in the compound 'spelling bee', where participants are eliminated for errors.
ExampleShe studied every night to prepare for the school spelling bee.
ExampleThe national spelling bee attracts the most talented young linguists from across the country to compete for the championship title.
-
4 nautical part (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencepieces of wood on a ship's bowsprit used to guide ropes.
hardwood blocks bolted to the sides of a bowsprit, through which the fore-topmast stays are reeved.
ExampleThe sailor checked the bee on the bowsprit for signs of rot.
ExampleThe shipwright carefully aligned the bees to ensure the stays would not chafe against the timber during heavy weather.
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'bees'.
- Nounbee
- Nounbumblebee