\Bum"ble*bee`\, n. [OE. bumblen to make a humming
noise (dim. of bum, v. i.) + bee. Cf. {Humblebee}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A large bee of the genus {Bombus}, sometimes called
{humblebee}; -- so named from its sound.
Note: There are many species. All gather honey, and store it
      in the empty cocoons after the young have come out.