Bum"ble*bee` (?), n. [OE. bumblen to make a humming noise (dim. of bum, v.i.) + bee. Cf. Humblebee.] Zool.
A large bee of the genus Bombus, sometimes called humblebee; -- so named from its sound.
⇒ There are many species. All gather honey, and store it in the empty cocoons after the young have come out.
© Webster 1913.