Bumblebee: meaning, definitions and examples

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bumblebee

[ˈbʌmb(ə)lbiː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

insects

A bumblebee is a large hairy bee with a loud buzz, living in colonies in underground burrows or in any convenient cavity.

Synonyms

bee, humblebee, pollinator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bumblebee	Often used to describe large, fuzzy bees that are known for their buzzing sound. Commonly used in conversations about nature, gardening, or when teaching children about insects. I saw a bumblebee pollinating the flowers in my garden
bee	A general term that refers to any insect from the family Apidae. Used in everyday conversation, scientific discussions, or when speaking broadly about these insects. Bees are essential for pollinating many of the crops we eat
humblebee	An older term for bumblebee, not commonly used in modern English but might be found in historical texts or poetry. It has a quaint or nostalgic tone. The humblebee buzzed around the meadows, adding a gentle hum to the countryside sounds
pollinator	Refers to any creature that aids in the transfer of pollen from one flower to another. Used in scientific, agricultural, and environmental conversations to highlight the broader role of these creatures. Bees are important pollinators that help in the reproduction of many plants

Examples of usage

The bumblebee landed on the flower to collect nectar.
Be careful around bumblebees, they can sting if provoked.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

transformers

In the Transformers franchise, Bumblebee is a friendly Autobot, usually depicted as a small yellow Volkswagen Beetle.

Synonyms

Volkswagen Beetle, autobot, transformer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bumblebee	A character in the Transformers universe who is a yellow-and-black Autobot often depicted as a scout or warrior. This term can be used in conversations about the Transformers franchise, movies, and merchandise. Bumblebee is one of the most beloved characters in the Transformers movies
autobot	A member of a heroic faction of sentient robots in the fictional Transformers universe. Used primarily in discussions about the Transformers franchise, toys, and media. Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots in the Transformers series
transformer	A device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Commonly referred to in engineering, electrical work, and physics discussions. Alternatively, refers to the robotic characters from the Transformers franchise. The transformer malfunctioned, causing a power outage in the neighborhood / In the cartoon, the Decepticons fight against the Transformers
Volkswagen Beetle	A small, iconic car model produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. Often mentioned in conversations about cars, automotive history, and classic car collections. My first car was a bright blue Volkswagen Beetle It looks so retro and cool!

Examples of usage

Bumblebee is one of the most beloved characters in the Transformers series.
The kids were excited to see Bumblebee transform into a robot.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'bumblebee' comes from the Middle English 'bumble', meaning to move clumsily, which reflects their unique flying style.
In Old English, 'bumbian' meant to buzz, which is a perfect description of the sound these bees make.
The harmonia of 'bumble' and 'bee' perfectly captures the playful aspect of these insects.

Ecology

Bumblebees are crucial pollinators, helping about 85% of the world’s flowering plants produce seeds.
They are specially adapted to pollinate tubular flowers like those of the foxglove by vibrating their bodies to release pollen.
These bees can forage in cooler temperatures than many other bee species, allowing them to pollinate early spring flowers.

Behavior

Bumblebees are social insects, living in colonies that can consist of up to 400 individuals during the summer.
Unlike honeybees, bumblebee nests are often not reused each year; they typically last only for one breeding season.
Queen bumblebees are known to hibernate during winter months to emerge in the spring to start new colonies.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, bumblebees symbolize hard work and cooperation due to their teamwork in colonies.
Bumblebees have been featured in art and literature, often representing nature’s beauty and fragility.
They are sometimes associated with good luck; spotting one can be thought of as a positive omen.

Conservation

Bumblebee populations have been declining worldwide, mainly due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
Many organizations work to protect these important pollinators by creating safe environments and educating the public.
Planting native flowers in gardens can help provide food and habitat for bumblebee species.

Translations

Translations of the word "bumblebee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abelha-bumble

🇮🇳 भौंरा

🇩🇪 Hummel

🇮🇩 lebah bumble

🇺🇦 джміль

🇵🇱 trzmiel

🇯🇵 マルハナバチ

🇫🇷 bourdon

🇪🇸 abejorro

🇹🇷 yaban arısı

🇰🇷 호박벌

🇸🇦 نحلة طنانة

🇨🇿 čmelák

🇸🇰 čmeliak

🇨🇳 大黄蜂

🇸🇮 čmrlj

🇮🇸 húmari

🇰🇿 бақ-бақ арасы

🇬🇪 ბზიკი

🇦🇿 bumblebee

🇲🇽 abejorro

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,741 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34738 stocktaking
34739 chasuble
34740 subornation
34741 bumblebee
34742 fondant
34743 tunny
34744 immateriality
...