Jump to content

bumblebee

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: bumble-bee

English

[edit]
Two views of a bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Alternative forms

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

1520s from bumble +‎ bee, replacing Middle English humbul-be. Merged with Middle English bombeln (to boom, buzz), in the late 14th century. The name of the drink is a semantic loan from Ukrainian джміль (džmilʹ).

Pronunciation

[edit]
  • IPA(key): /ˈbʌmbəlˌbiː/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

[edit]

bumblebee (plural bumblebees)

  1. Any of several species of large bee in the genus Bombus.
    Synonyms: (obsolete) humblebee, dumbledore
    • 2008, Christopher Paolini, “Rider and Ra'zac”, in Brisingr, page 69:
      The bumblebee's mane glowed in the morning light—each hair sharp and distinct to Eragon—and its blurred wings generated a gentle bombilation, like a tattoo played on a drum. Pollen powdered the bristles on its legs.
  2. A mid yellow, sometimes slightly orange.
  3. A layered drink with ice whose main ingredients are orange juice and espresso coffee.

Derived terms

[edit]

Translations

[edit]

References

[edit]