bee-eater

American  

[bee-ee-ter] / ˈbiˌi tər /

noun

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

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bee-eater British  

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)

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Etymology

Origin of bee-eater

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bee-eater

There could also be some sightings of rare visitors such as the exotic European bee-eater, which have recently begun nesting in the UK.

From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2025

The Zoo A snow leopard rescued from Pakistan is having trouble eating because of a broken tooth, while the bird department tries to restore a beehive for the bee-eater birds, in this new episode.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 31, 2017

Eyes closed and wings tucked, the colorful bee-eater seemed to be sleeping in his hands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2015

The bee-eater, commonly found in North Africa and southern Europe, has taken up residence at a house in Fulwell.

From BBC ● Nov. 8, 2012

The golden-backed woodpecker, the green bee-eater, the "blue jay" or roller, the paddy bird, the Indian and the magpie-robin, most familiar birds of the plains, are no longer seen.

From Birds of the Indian Hills by Douglas Dewar