definition
A flying insect, of the clade Anthophila within the hymenopteran superfamily Apoidea, known for its organised societies (though only a minority have them), for collecting pollen and (in some species) producing wax and honey.
definition
A contest, especially for spelling; see spelling bee.
example
geography bee
definition
A community gathering to share labour, e.g. a sewing bee or a quilting bee.
definition
A ring or torque; a bracelet.
definition
The name of the Latin-script letter B.
definition
(usually in the plural) Any of the pieces of hard wood bolted to the sides of the bowsprit, to reeve the fore-topmast stays through.
definition
Out of the way, subsidiary.
definition
Along a path which runs past the speaker.
example
I watched as it passed by.
definition
In the vicinity, near.
example
The shop is hard by the High Street.
definition
To or at a place, as a residence or place of business.
example
I'll stop by on my way home from work.
definition
Aside, away.
example
The women spent much time after harvest putting jams by for winter and spring.
definition
Near or next to.
example
The mailbox is by the bus stop.
definition
From one side of something to the other, passing close by; past.
example
He ran straight by me.
definition
Not later than (the given time); not later than the end of (the given time interval).
example
Be back by ten o'clock!.
definition
Indicates the person or thing that does or causes something: Through the action or presence of.
definition
Indicates the creator of a work: Existing through the authorship etc. of.
example
There are many well-known plays by William Shakespeare
definition
Indicates a means of achieving something: Involving/using the means of.
example
By 'maybe' she means 'no'.
definition
Indicates an authority according to which something is done.
example
By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife.
definition
Indicates a means of classification or organisation.
example
I sorted the items by category.
definition
Indicates the amount of change, difference or discrepancy
example
His date of birth was wrong by ten years.
definition
In the formulae X by X and by Xs, indicates a steady progression, one X after another.
example
We crawled forward by inches.
definition
Indicates a referenced source: According to.
example
By my reckoning, we should be nearly there.
definition
Used to separate dimensions when describing the size of something.
example
It is easy to invert a 2-by-2 matrix.
definition
(horse breeding) Designates a horse's male parent (sire); cf. out of.
example
She's a lovely little filly, by Big Lad, out of Damsel in Distress.
definition
The position of a person or team in a tournament or competition who draws no opponent in a particular round so advances to the next round unopposed, or is awarded points for a win in a league table; also the phantom opponent of such a person or team.
example
Craig's Crew plays the bye next week.
definition
An extra scored when the batsmen take runs after the ball has passed the striker without hitting either the bat or the batsman.
definition
A dwelling.
definition
A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.
definition
A pass.
definition
Goodbye.