bee fly

American  

noun

1. any of numerous dipterous insects of the family Bombyliidae, some of which resemble bees.

---

bee fly British  

noun

1. any hairy beelike nectar-eating dipterous fly of the family Bombyliidae , whose larvae are parasitic on those of bees and related insects

---

Etymology

Origin of bee fly

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

In her mind, Ivy ran through a plan that involved running up to Drew in a panic, saying that she saw a potentially lethal bee fly into his backpack.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Again, the peculiar outline and coloration of certain orchids—notably of our own bee, fly, and spider orchids—seem hardly explicable by any action of "Natural Selection."

From On the Genesis of Species by Mivart, St. George

I said, "Smoky, can you see a bee fly?"

From Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper Autobiography, experiences and observations of Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock during his fifty years of hunting and trapping. by Woodcock, Eldred Nathaniel

Then the mother bade the bee fly up to the seventh heaven and to bring down from thence the honey of Ukko's wisdom, which was so abundant there.

From Finnish Legends for English Children by Eivind, R.

"De acuerdo," said Gabriele and she watched the busy bee fly away from her cold Antarctic garden.

From Tokyo to Tijuana: Gabriele Departing America by Sills, Steven (Steven David Justin)