leaf-cutting bee

noun

1. any of the bees of the family Megachilidae that cut circular pieces from leaves or flowers to line their nests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf-cutting bee¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

I was rather surprised that they were not cut quite off, for a leaf-cutting bee can use its teeth as deftly as a tailor can his shears.

From Project Gutenberg

A small leaf-cutting bee was hurrying about with its shrill busy hum in the vicinity, and in due time came to the sunflower and settled on it.

From Project Gutenberg