bee balm

noun

1
: any of several monardas
especially : a perennial monarda (Monarda didyma) of eastern North America having showy flower heads made up of scarlet tubular flowers
2
: lemon balm

Examples of bee balm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even a few containers of petunias on a balcony or a single bee balm plant in a sunny bed can make a difference. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026 Instead, try pairing them with plants known for their insect-repellent properties, such as bee balm, lemon balm, or marigold. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 Other beneficial plants for adult monarchs include zinnias, asters, coneflowers, and bee balm. — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 28 May 2026 Hummingbirds also visit all kinds of salvia, lantana, petunias, calibrachoa, cannas, bee balm, and more. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bee balm

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of bee balm was in 1792

Rhymes for bee balm

See All Rhymes for bee balm

Browse Nearby Words

beeball
bee balm
Beebe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bee balm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bee%20balm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bee balm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bee balm

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