noun
bumblebee
BUHM-buhl-bee
Bumblebee (noun) means any of several species of large, furry bee in the genus Bombus, known for their loud buzz. Example: “A bumblebee drifted lazily between the lavender blooms.”
noun
1
Any of several species of large, furry bee in the genus Bombus, known for their loud buzz.
"A bumblebee drifted lazily between the lavender blooms."
"The bumblebee's mane glowed in the morning light—each hair sharp and distinct to Eragon—and its blurred wings generated a gentle bombilation, like a tattoo played on a drum. Pollen powdered the bristles on its legs."
— Christopher Paolini, Rider and Ra'zac (2008)
How to use bumblebee
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, fuzzy, loudly buzzing bee.
Common pairings
bumblebee sting
a fuzzy bumblebee
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Word forms
- Plural
- bumblebees
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A _____ drifted lazily between the lavender blooms.
Etymology
From bumble ("to buzz") + bee, first recorded in the 1520s, replacing the earlier Middle English "humbul-be."
Synonyms
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humblebee
dumbledore
Related words
Rhymes for bumblebee
See all rhymes for bumblebee →Frequently asked questions
What does “bumblebee” mean?
The word “bumblebee” means any of several species of large, furry bee in the genus Bombus, known for their loud buzz. In plain terms, a big, fuzzy, loudly buzzing bee.
How do you pronounce “bumblebee”?
“Bumblebee” is pronounced BUHM-buhl-bee (/ˈbʌmbəlˌbiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “bumblebee” in a sentence?
Here is “bumblebee” used in a sentence: “A bumblebee drifted lazily between the lavender blooms.”
What part of speech is “bumblebee”?
“Bumblebee” is a noun.
Where does the word “bumblebee” come from?
The word “bumblebee” dates back to around 1520 and comes from Middle English. From bumble ("to buzz") + bee, first recorded in the 1520s, replacing the earlier Middle English "humbul-be.".
