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

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

The balm is made from a special blend of cold-pressed seed oils that holds up on hot and cold trips, and includes locally sourced beeswax from San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

And they would not use soaps or candles made from beeswax, or use products tested on animals.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2024

Each frame was filled with honey and sealed over with beeswax.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Related Words

• interest
• issue
• problem