Word
beeswax
UK/bˈiːswɒks/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. wax made by bees to build their hives. People use it to make candles, lip balm, and polish.
n. a natural yellowish wax secreted by honeybees for building honeycomb, refined for use in candles, cosmetics, and wood polishes.
Examples
“She lights a beeswax candle every evening.”
“The beekeeper collects raw beeswax from the hives and melts it down to make natural candles.”
“Unlike paraffin, beeswax burns slowly with a faint honey scent, which explains its continued appeal among artisans despite the higher cost.”
Examples
simple
“She lights a beeswax candle every evening.”
contextual
“The beekeeper collects raw beeswax from the hives and melts it down to make natural candles.”
complex
“Unlike paraffin, beeswax burns slowly with a faint honey scent, which explains its continued appeal among artisans despite the higher cost.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “beeswax” in context.
Verb
01. apply beeswax
“Apply beeswax to the wooden surface to protect it from water damage.”
verb + noun
02. beeswax hardens
“As the beeswax hardens, it forms a protective seal over the leather.”
noun + verb
03. melt beeswax
“Carefully melt the beeswax in a double boiler before adding the essential oils.”
verb + noun
04. secrete beeswax
“Worker bees secrete beeswax from special glands on their abdomens.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. natural beeswax
“The lip balm contains natural beeswax to help lock in moisture.”
adj + noun
06. pure beeswax
“These candles are made from 100% pure beeswax for a cleaner burn.”
adj + noun
07. refined beeswax
“Refined beeswax is often used in cosmetics to ensure a consistent texture.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. block of beeswax
“She bought a large block of beeswax to make homemade furniture polish.”
noun + prep + noun
09. pellet of beeswax
“Small pellets of beeswax are easier to measure and melt than large chunks.”
noun + prep + noun
10. blend of beeswax and oil
“The salve is a soothing blend of beeswax and almond oil.”
11. coat with beeswax
“The thread is coated with beeswax to make it stronger for sewing leather.”
12. none of your beeswax
“When he asked how much I earned, I told him it was none of his beeswax.”
Real-World Examples
“For centuries, beeswax was appreciated as the best material for making candles.” “Beeswax is a naturally formed secretion from wax‐producing glands in the abdomen of worker bees.” “Traces of beeswax found on ancient pottery from Europe, the Near East and North Africa suggest the first farmers kept bees.” “The Globe team researched different types of candles, with beeswax chosen over tallow for the warmth of the light.” Etymology
From bee + -s- + wax.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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