honeybee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, with strong associations to technical, ecological, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “honeybee” mean?
A social, stinging insect (Apis mellifera) known for producing honey and beeswax.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social, stinging insect (Apis mellifera) known for producing honey and beeswax.
The primary bee species managed by beekeepers; a symbol of industriousness, cooperation, and ecological importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both forms ("honeybee" and "honey bee") are used in both varieties. No significant difference in usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations of agriculture, nature, pollination, and industry.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly higher preference for the closed compound in American scientific writing.
Grammar
How to Use “honeybee” in a Sentence
The honeybee pollinates [object: crops/orchards].A colony of honeybees builds [object: a hive/comb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “honeybee” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The honeybee population is under threat.
- She studies honeybee behaviour.
American English
- The honeybee colony swarmed yesterday.
- Honeybee pollination is vital for almonds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of agriculture, apiary products, or ecological consulting.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, agriculture, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Common in general discussion about insects, gardening, nature, and food production.
Technical
Standard term in entomology, apiculture (beekeeping), and agricultural science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “honeybee”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “honeybee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “honeybee”
- Spelling as 'honey bee' is not a mistake, but inconsistent usage within a single text might be.
- Confusing 'honeybee' (specific species) with 'bee' (general term for all bees).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Honeybee' (one word) is a closed compound common in scientific writing. 'Honey bee' (two words) is also widely used. Consistency within a document is key.
Honeybees (Apis) are slimmer, live in large perennial colonies, store significant honey, and are managed by humans. Bumblebees (Bombus) are larger, hairier, live in smaller annual colonies, and are important wild pollinators.
No. There are over 20,000 bee species worldwide. Only bees in the genus Apis are true honeybees. Most bee species are solitary and do not produce harvestable honey.
They are crucial pollinators for many agricultural crops and wild plants, contributing directly to global food security and biodiversity. They also produce honey, beeswax, and other hive products.
A social, stinging insect (Apis mellifera) known for producing honey and beeswax.
Honeybee is usually neutral, with strong associations to technical, ecological, and everyday contexts. in register.
Honeybee: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌn.i.biː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌn.i.bi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As busy as a honeybee”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A bee that makes HONEY is a HONEY-BEE. Imagine the word split by a tiny, buzzing bee.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDUSTRY IS BEE-LIKE ACTIVITY (e.g., 'a hive of activity').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary technical context for the word 'honeybee'?