Honeybee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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honeybee
[ˈhʌnɪˌbiː ]
Definitions
insect
A honeybee is a small insect that is known for producing honey. Honeybees live in colonies and play a crucial role in pollination.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| honeybee |
General term referring to bees that produce honey and live in structured colonies.
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| bee |
A broader term that can refer to any member of the Apoidea family, not necessarily those that produce honey.
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| worker bee |
Female bees that do not reproduce but perform all the work in the hive such as collecting nectar, making honey, and protecting the colony.
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| drone |
Specific term for a male bee that does not collect nectar or pollen and mainly exists to mate with the queen.
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Examples of usage
- The honeybee buzzed around the flowers collecting nectar.
- Honeybees are essential for the pollination of many crops.
person
Informally, a honeybee can refer to a person who is sweet and hardworking, like the insect.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| honeybee |
Refers to the flying insect that produces honey. It is typically used in scientific, ecological, or agricultural contexts when talking about the behavior, biology, or importance of honeybees in pollination.
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| sweetheart |
A term of endearment used to refer to a loved one, typically in a romantic relationship. It can also be used affectionately to describe someone who is kind, caring, and lovely. It has a positive connotation but is informal.
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| hard worker |
Describes a person who is diligent and puts a lot of effort into their work. This term is positive and often used in professional settings or when praising someone's dedication.
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Examples of usage
- She's a real honeybee, always helping others with a smile.
- Everyone loves working with him; he's such a honeybee.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Honeybees communicate with each other through a 'waggle dance,' which helps them share information about food sources.
- These insects can recognize human faces and can even learn simple tasks by observing other bees.
- The lifespan of a worker honeybee is typically around 6 weeks, while queens can live up to several years!
Cultural Significance
- Honeybees have been important to agriculture for thousands of years, aiding pollination for many crops.
- In many cultures, honey represents wealth and prosperity; it's often used in rituals and celebratory feasts.
- Some ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, worshipped bees, believing they embodied divine messengers.
Environmental Impact
- Honeybees play a critical role in biodiversity, contributing to the pollination of around one-third of the food we eat.
- The decline in honeybee populations due to pesticides and habitat loss has raised concerns about food security worldwide.
- Efforts like community gardens and planting wildflowers can help attract bees and promote their health.
Fun Facts
- Honey never spoils! Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still edible.
- A single honeybee can produce about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
- Bees are responsible for the production of honey, wax, propolis, and royal jelly, each serving unique roles in the hive.
Origin of 'honeybee'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bee' comes from the Old English 'beo,' which reflects the long history of these insects in human culture.
- The term 'honeybee' specifically refers to Apis mellifera, which is the most common species producing honey.
- In many cultures, bees have been depicted in art and literature as symbols of hard work and community.
The word 'honeybee' originated from the Old English words 'hunig' (honey) and 'bēo' (bee). Honeybees have been domesticated for honey production for thousands of years, with evidence of beekeeping dating back to ancient Egypt. They are also important pollinators in agriculture and play a vital role in ecosystems.
See also: honey, honeydew, honeyed, honeyedness.