bee
UK: biː | US: biː
n. a flying insect known for pollination and producing honey
n. (figurative) a busy or industrious person
n. (historical) a gathering for communal work or competition (e.g., "quilting bee")
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The word "bee" traces back to Old English bēo, from Proto-Germanic bī- (source of Dutch bij and German Biene). Its roots likely echo the insect's buzzing sound (onomatopoeic origin). Unlike many compound words, "bee" is monomorphic, retaining its compact form across centuries. The figurative sense of "busyness" arose from the insect's industrious nature, while communal "bees" (e.g., "spelling bee") derive from the Middle English been, meaning "voluntary help," later evolving into organized gatherings.
A bee landed on the flower to collect nectar.
She’s as busy as a bee preparing for the conference.
The village held a knitting bee to make blankets for charity.
Honeybees play a vital role in ecosystem pollination.
He won the school spelling bee by memorizing every word.