bee-eater

[ bee-ee-ter ]

noun

1. any of several colorful birds of the family Meropidae, of the Old World tropics, that feed on bees and other insects.

bee-eater

noun

1. any insectivorous bird of the family Meropidae of tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, having a long downward-curving bill and long pointed wings and tail: order Coraciiformes (kingfishers, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bee-eater¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Of all feathered fowl, however, none are more brilliant in colour than the bee-eater and the golden oriol.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter in its endeavour to escape soars into the air, and the Bee-eater seizing it becomes the prey of the aërial fisherman.

From Project Gutenberg

On p. 357 is note and figure of the extinct Moho apicalis, under the name of the "Yellow-tufted Bee-eater."

From Project Gutenberg

The blue-tailed bee-eater is distinguishable by its larger size, its yellowish throat, and its blue tail.

From Project Gutenberg

Watch a bee-eater feeding and you will see it take twenty or thirty insects in less than an hour.

From Project Gutenberg