bee-stung

adjective

1. having a red and swollen appearance:

   1920s flappers with bee-stung lips.

bee-stung

adjective

1. (of the lips) pouting and sensuous

Word History and Origins

Origin of bee-stung¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Let the record reflect that, today, Renée Zellweger looks exactly like one would expect a 50-year-old version of Renée Zellweger to look: still crinkly twinkly eyed, apple-cheeked, the bee-stung smile intact.

From Washington Post

Kyle Seager is bee-stung and you have to wonder if a once promising career is at a crossroads.

From Seattle Times

I’m a product of my culture and of the advertising that swirls around us, presenting beauty as a 19- or even 16-year-old, perhaps, in Victoria’s Secret lace or a Calvin Klein string thong, with her bee-stung lips and sulky face.

From New York Times

Jinny peered down at her bee-stung hands.

From Literature

She awkwardly wiped her face on her shoulder, sniffed back a runny nose, and stood up, her bee-stung hands stretched out in front of her.

From Literature