honeycomb
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A structure of small hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax by bees and used to store honey and larvae.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
huhneekohmSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈhʌnikoʊm
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
A structure of small hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax by bees and used to store honey and larvae
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.
countableby extension
Something resembling honeycomb (noun, sense 1) in having numerous cells or small holes.
A framework of hexagonal cells resembling the honeycomb built by bees
countablefigurative
Something resembling honeycomb in sweetness; hence, something desirable or pleasant.
verb
To riddle (something) with small holes, especially in a pattern resembling a honeycomb (noun noun, sense 1); also, to cause (something) to become hollow or weakened in this way.
figurativechiefly passive voice
To make way deeply into (something) so as to weaken it; to undermine.
To bore cavities or tunnels inside (something).
Carve a honeycomb pattern into
To decorate (something) with a honeycomb pattern.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C2 · Proficient (estimated)
- Frequency
- Uncommon
- Typical Use
- Primarily written
More ways to use honeycomb
- “The cliffs were honeycombed.”verb
Share your sentence
Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Lining of the reticulum (or second stomach) of a ruminant used as food.
Use This Word
See how this word sounds in a real sentence.
Ask Vocabaura
Understand the word your way.
What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
Use it yourself
Keep learning “honeycomb” by choosing the kind of practice you need next.
- Practice sentence writingWrite sentences with vocabulary and get instant feedback.
- Practice in contextAnswer short vocabulary questions drawn from real situations.
- Review vocabularyTest your recall and strengthen words over time.
- Practice typingType vocabulary in short rounds that draw from words you've learned and saved.
Want to type words like this one without looking at the keyboard? Each typing round draws from words you've learned, saved or need to review. Follow the free Learn to Type lessons and type your own vocabulary with confidence.
Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.