mason bee

noun

1. any of numerous solitary bees, as of the family Megachilidae, that construct nests of clay.

mason bee

noun

1. any bee of the family Megachilidae that builds a hard domelike nest of sand, clay, etc, held together with saliva

Word History and Origins

Origin of mason bee¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

A mason bee builds the roof of its nest while memorising landmarks around it so it was able to find the nest again.

From BBC

Customers pay $75 for 50 to 60 mason bee cocoons, a nesting block and a wooden house.

From Seattle Times

If there ever was a personification of the Pacific Northwest, it is the mason bee.

From Seattle Times

The fly lays its eggs right by where a mom mason bee has laid her eggs.

From Seattle Times

As thieves, the Houdini flies use the fact that their young hatch earlier than the mason bee young.

From Seattle Times