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BEM

1 American  
[bem] / bɛm /

  1. (in especially pulp science fiction) bug-eyed monster: an extraterrestrial being, especially one having a grotesque appearance.

B.E.M. 2 American  

abbreviation

  1. Bachelor of Engineering of Mines.

  2. British Empire Medal.

BEM British  

abbreviation

  1. British Empire Medal

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of BEM

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Known as Speedo Mick, the founder of The SpeedoMick Foundation was given the BEM for his charitable service.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

Retired firefighter John Anderson, who has been awarded a BEM, said he felt "privileged" to be invited.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2023

County Tyrone man Peter Dolan, whose teenage son Enda was killed by a drunk driver in 2014, is to receive a BEM.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2022

The youngest is Dara McAnulty, 18, from Annalong, Co Down, who receives a BEM for his environmental work and help for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2022

I say "Send them a letter postmarked Outer Space signed BEM saying we lost our own planet in a nova and will take over theirs two weeks from Tuesday."

From The Lost Kafoozalum by Ashwell, Pauline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.