Meaning

(uncountable) A substance made by bees (clade Anthophila) primarily from beeswax which has hexagonal cells to hold their larvae, and for storing pollen and honey to feed the larvae and themselves when other food is scarce; it is also eaten by humans as part of comb-honey; (countable) a single sheet made up of two layers of this substance..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) A substance made by bees (clade Anthophila) primarily from beeswax which has hexagonal cells to hold their larvae, and for storing pollen and honey to feed the larvae and themselves when other food is scarce; it is also eaten by humans as part of comb-honey; (countable) a single sheet made up of two layers of this substance.
2. (countable, by extension) Something resembling honeycomb (noun sense 1) in having numerous cells or small holes.
3. Something resembling honeycomb (noun sense 1) in having numerous cells or small holes.
4. (countable, figurative) Something resembling honeycomb in sweetness; hence, something desirable or pleasant.
5. To riddle (something) with small holes, especially in a pattern resembling a honeycomb (noun sense 1); also, to cause (something) to become hollow or weakened in this way.
6. To bore cavities or tunnels inside (something).
7. To decorate (something) with a honeycomb pattern.
8. To make way deeply into (something) so as to weaken it; to undermine.

Example Sentences

Pleaſant words are [as] an honycombe, ſweete to the ſoule, and health to the bones.

So vvee read that God manifeſted by the Lots vvhich Saul cauſed to be dravvn [1 Sam[uel] 14.43.] the fault that Jonathan had committed, in eating a honey-comb, contrary to the oath taken by the people.

The cells of the bees are perfect hexagons: theſe, in every honeycomb, are double, opening on either ſide, and cloſed at the bottom.

There was chocolate, new milk, honeycomb with its liquid amber droppings fragrant of a thousand flowers, a small loaf, and a little basket of green figs.

The wood porch was a honeycomb of termite tunnels before we replaced it.

[There is in Thomas Jefferson] evidence of a mind, soured, yet seeking for popularity, and eaten to a honeycomb with ambition, yet weak, confused, uninformed, and ignorant.

[F]or he [Jesus Christ] vvas the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and from him being crucified for our ſinnes, and ſlaine for our redemption, vve receive our honey and our honey-combe, that is to ſay, peace vvith God the Father.

Yes, Frank, what I have is my own, if labour in getting, and care in augmenting, can make a right of property; and no drone shall feed on my honeycomb.

Word Forms

• honeycombs
• honey-comb
• honeycombing
• honeycombed

Related Words

When Should You Use Honeycomb?

Use honeycomb when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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