bee fly

American  

noun

1. any of numerous dipterous insects of the family Bombyliidae, some of which resemble bees.

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bee fly British  

noun

1. any hairy beelike nectar-eating dipterous fly of the family Bombyliidae , whose larvae are parasitic on those of bees and related insects

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Etymology

Origin of bee fly

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

In her mind, Ivy ran through a plan that involved running up to Drew in a panic, saying that she saw a potentially lethal bee fly into his backpack.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

"De acuerdo," said Gabriele and she watched the busy bee fly away from her cold Antarctic garden.

From Tokyo to Tijuana: Gabriele Departing America by Sills, Steven (Steven David Justin)

They soon knew, for, going out again into the open, Shanter let the bee fly and darted off after it, keeping the patch of white in view, till it disappeared among some trees.

From The Dingo Boys The Squatters of Wallaby Range by Stacey, W. S. (Walter S.)

I said, "Smoky, can you see a bee fly?"

From Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper Autobiography, experiences and observations of Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock during his fifty years of hunting and trapping. by Woodcock, Eldred Nathaniel

Then the mother bade the bee fly up to the seventh heaven and to bring down from thence the honey of Ukko's wisdom, which was so abundant there.

From Finnish Legends for English Children by Eivind, R.