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Bee - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A bee is a flying insect known for pollinating plants and producing honey. Bees live in colonies and are essential for ecosystems due to their role in agriculture and biodiversity.

bee

/bi/ /biː/

Definition:

A flying insect that collects nectar and pollen, often producing honey and living in colonies.

Synonyms:

honeybee, bumblebee, drone, worker bee

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

wasp, hornet

Common Collocations:

busy as a bee, bee colony, bee sting, queen bee

Derivatives:

beehive, beekeeper, beekeeping

Usage Tips:

Use "bee" to refer to the insect or metaphorically for someone who is industrious ("busy as a bee").

Common Phrases:

the birds and the bees, busy as a bee, have a bee in one's bonnet

Etymology:

From Old English "bēo," related to Dutch "bij" and German "Biene."

Examples:

  • 1. The bee landed on the flower to gather nectar.
  • 2. She was as busy as a bee preparing for the party.
  • 3. A bee sting can be painful but is rarely dangerous.
  • 4. The children watched the bees buzzing around the hive.

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