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BEM

¹ American

[bem] / bɛm /

(in especially pulp science fiction) bug-eyed monster: an extraterrestrial being, especially one having a grotesque appearance.

B.E.M. ² American

abbreviation

Bachelor of Engineering of Mines.
British Empire Medal.

BEM British

abbreviation

British Empire Medal

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of BEM

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The oldest person on the list is 102-year-old John Hearn, who receives a BEM for services to judo and to the community in north-east England.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

The voice of Adolf Hitler is forever "locked" into the memory of 92-year-old former Kindertransport refugee John Fieldsend BEM, who arrived in England in 1939.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2024

Retired firefighter John Anderson, who has been awarded a BEM, said he felt "privileged" to be invited.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2023

Finally, a lollipop lady has said that she is "pleased and proud" at being awarded a BEM.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2022

I say "Send them a letter postmarked Outer Space signed BEM saying we lost our own planet in a nova and will take over theirs two weeks from Tuesday."

From The Lost Kafoozalum by Ashwell, Pauline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023