bee

[/biː/]
nounfemininepl: bees
abelha
1. A flying insect that produces honey and lives in organized colonies
The bee collected nectar from the flower.
A abelha coletou néctar da flor.
2. A social gathering where people work on a common task together
We organized a quilting bee to help our neighbor.
Organizamos uma confraternização de costura para ajudar nossa vizinha.
3. The letter 'B' or something shaped like the letter B
The word 'bee' is spelled B-E-E.
A palavra 'bee' é soletrada B-E-E.
In both Brazilian and American English cultures, bees are symbols of hard work and productivity. The phrase 'spelling bee' is particularly common in American education as a competitive academic event. In Brazil, honey production and beekeeping are significant agricultural activities, especially in regions like Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
honeybeeinsectpollinator

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abelha
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abelha
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
abelha
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
abelha
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; sometimes 'abelha-mel' for honeybee specifically

Related Words

hivehoneypollinationcolonybeekeeper

Related Idioms & Phrases

busy as a bee
bee in one's bonnet
the bee's knees
spelling bee
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