carpenter bee

American  

noun

1. any of several solitary bees of the family Apidae that nest in solid wood, boring tunnels in which to deposit their eggs.

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carpenter bee British  

noun

1. any large solitary bee of the genus Xylocopa and related genera that lays its eggs in tunnels bored into wood or in plant stems: family Apidae

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Etymology

Origin of carpenter bee

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carpenter bee

In September a different study published in the journal Communications Biology revealed that carpenter bee mothers spend an unusually large amount of time with their offspring because it helps them ward off potentially deadly diseases.

From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2023

It's known as a carpenter bee because they typically nest in wood.

From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2023

In some carpenter bee species, females nest in groups, living alongside their daughters or other adult female bees.

From New York Times ● Mar. 20, 2021

Children taste different types of honey and examine the differences between honeybee and carpenter bee specimens.

From US News ● Nov. 23, 2015

A carpenter bee buzzes by, disappearing into the awning of the building.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith