n. [ OE. humbilbee, hombulbe; cf. D. hommel, G. hummel, OHG. humbal, Dan. humle, Sw. humla; perh. akin to hum. √15. Cf. Bumblebee. ] (Zool.) The bumblebee. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ OE. bumblen to make a humming noise (dim. of bum, v. i.) + bee. Cf. Humblebee. ] (Zool.) A large bee of the genus
☞ There are many species. All gather honey, and store it in the empty cocoons after the young have come out. [ 1913 Webster ]