bee
/ˈbiː/ · bee
noun
- A flying insect of the clade Anthophila within the hymenopteran superfamily Apoidea, known for its organised societies, pollen collection, and honey production. The garden was buzzing with bees as they moved from flower to flower.
- A social gathering for a specific purpose, especially one involving collective work or competition, such as a spelling bee. The town held a spelling bee to celebrate the school’s anniversary.
Did you know? The term "spelling bee" first appeared in the United States in the early 19th century, borrowing the older sense of "bee" as a communal work party.