/ biː; NAmE / noun
1.
a black and yellow flying insect that can sting. Bees live in large groups and make honey (= a sweet sticky substance that is good to eat) :
a swarm of bees
a bee sting
Bees were buzzing in the clover.
—see also beehive , beeswax , bumblebee , queen bee
2.
( NAmE ) a meeting in a group where people combine work, competition and pleasure :
a sewing bee
—see also spelling bee
•
IDIOMS
- the bee's knees
- have a bee in your bonnet (about sth)
—more at bird , busy adjective
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English bēo , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch bij and German dialect Beie .