n.
Pronunciation: ' b ē
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English b ē o; akin to Old High German b ī a bee, Old Irish bech, Lithuanian bitis
Date: before 12th century
1 : HONEYBEE broadly : any of numerous hymenopterous insects (superfamily Apoidea) that differ from the related wasps especially in the heavier hairier body and in having sucking as well as chewing mouthparts, that feed on pollen and nectar, and that store both and often also honey
2 : an eccentric notion : FANCY
– bee · like \ - ˌ l ī k \ adjective
– bee in one's bonnet : 1 BEE 2