verb
honeycomb
HUH-nee-kohm
Honeycomb (verb) means to riddle something with small holes or tunnels, as bees do with a hive. Example: “Years of erosion had honeycombed the cliff face with small caves.”
verb
1
To riddle something with small holes or tunnels, as bees do with a hive.
"Years of erosion had honeycombed the cliff face with small caves."
2
To weaken something gradually from within.
"Corruption had honeycombed the entire department long before it was exposed."
How to use honeycomb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a verb, to fill something with small connected holes or cavities, often in a way that weakens it.
Common pairings
honeycombed with tunnels
honeycomb pattern
honeycomb structure
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- honeycombs
- Past tense
- honeycombed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Years of erosion had _____ the cliff face with small caves.
Etymology
From Old English huniġcamb, literally "honey" + "comb", describing the wax structure bees build to store honey.
Frequently asked questions
What does “honeycomb” mean?
The word “honeycomb” means to riddle something with small holes or tunnels, as bees do with a hive. In plain terms, as a verb, to fill something with small connected holes or cavities, often in a way that weakens it.
How do you pronounce “honeycomb”?
“Honeycomb” is pronounced HUH-nee-kohm (/ˈhʌniˌkoʊm/ in IPA).
How do you use “honeycomb” in a sentence?
Here is “honeycomb” used in a sentence: “Years of erosion had honeycombed the cliff face with small caves.”
What part of speech is “honeycomb”?
“Honeycomb” is a verb.
Where does the word “honeycomb” come from?
The word “honeycomb” comes from Old English. From Old English huniġcamb, literally "honey" + "comb", describing the wax structure bees build to store honey.
How many meanings does “honeycomb” have?
“Honeycomb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to riddle something with small holes or tunnels, as bees do with a hive.
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