# beeswax

/bˈiːswɒks/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beeswax
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

wax made by bees to build their hives. People use it to make candles, lip balm, and polish.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.