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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.

A number of people have become Medallists of the Order of the British Empire – known as BEM – for services to their local communities.

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

Other honours recipients from Cornwall include former naval gunner Godfrey Harrison, awarded a BEM for services to the community in Bude-Stratton.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2023

Tony is believed to be the youngest-ever recipient of an honour, a record previously held by fundraiser Tobias Weller, who was 11 when he received a BEM two years ago.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2023

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