beeswax

American  

[beez-waks] / ˈbizˌwæks /

noun

1. wax.

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verb (used with object)

1. to rub or treat with beeswax.

beeswax British  

/ ˈbiːzˌwæks /

noun

1. 1. a yellowish or dark brown wax secreted by honeybees for constructing honeycombs

   2. this wax after refining, purifying, etc, used in polishes, ointments, and for modelling

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verb

1. (tr) to polish with such wax

Etymology

Origin of beeswax

First recorded in 1670–80; bee ¹ + 's ¹ + wax ¹

Explanation

Beeswax is the substance that makes up the inside of a bee's hive. Honeycomb is made of beeswax filled with honey. If you've ever chewed a piece of honeycomb, you've tasted beeswax. The sweetness comes from the honey, but the waxy, chewable substance is the wax that's produced by bees so they can construct the honeycomb. Humans use beeswax for many products, from lip balm to furniture polish. When you ask your sister a question and she says, "That's none of your beeswax!" she means it's not your business or concern.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

beeswax

A staff member pulls a beeswax corn candle, $26, out of its mold at Happy Organics’ studio in downtown Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

Some birds lead humans to bees' nests in exchange for access to beeswax.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 20, 2026

She is painted in encaustic, a beeswax medium that is very difficult to work with.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe is London's only indoor candlelit theatre, and glows with more than 100 beeswax candles.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2025

While outside the cool night air is scented with caramel and smoke, this tent is warm and smells of incense and roses and beeswax.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• interest
• issue
• problem