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

They are also, not incidentally, highly useful to human society, producing honey and beeswax — both of which are used in a wide range of products — while also pollinating the plants that feed us.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

And will the beeswax candles that we see in great detail be heading soon to retailers?

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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

Gray strands streak her hair, though she's cleverly tried to cover them with beeswax and pomatum.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• interest
• issue
• problem