honeybee

noun

hon·​ey·​bee ˈhə-nē-ˌbē 

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

• worker
• queen
• drone

Examples of honeybee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2017, the beloved spot near New Albany High School got a mural makeover with colorful sights of honeybees and doughnuts covered with smiles and pink icing. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 19 Sep. 2024

That would be slightly more acceptable if honeybees weren't also nonnative species. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Mar. 2024

Additionally, honeybees in Ethiopia have made a slow recovery following a two year war. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Fibonacci's on-site farm that includes goats, chickens and honeybees also sits on the property. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

honeybee

noun

hon·​ey·​bee -ˌbē 

: 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 

: 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