plural bevies
1
: a large group or collection
a bevy of girls
2
: a group of animals and especially quail

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What makes up a bevy?

There’s no need to quail when confronted with a word of uncertain origins; some mysteries are simply destined to remain as such. Etymologists have a bevy of theories about the roots of bevy, for example, but little definitive evidence—and that’s okay! What we do know is that bevy emerged out of Middle English as the collective noun for a number of birds and mammals that were commonly hunted, including pheasants, partridges, roe deer, larks, and especially quail. Bevy is still used in this way today, not only for wild game but for gulls, hens, etc. But bevies are now most often composed of a great many people and things, as in “a bevy of reporters” or “a bevy of menu options.”

Examples of bevy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Located in the trendy Mid Beach area of Miami, the new hotel exudes an Art Deco vibe and a bevy of fresh and unique touches that lean into the Miami detox, re-tox lifestyle. Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025 The results of the tests showed a bevy of issues, including high levels of mold spores and carbon dioxide on the second floor. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025 Each year, a bevy of defense contractors, immigration authorities, technology ventures and security experts convene at the annual fair to discuss how to strengthen the globe’s political boundaries. Caitlin Chandler, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 It is bordered by a bevy of modernist monuments, like Rodney Walker’s Case Study House #18, Richard Neutra’s Case Study House #20 and Eero Saarinen’s Entenza House. Sam Lubell, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bevy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bevey

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bevy was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near bevy

Cite this Entry

“Bevy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevy. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bevy

noun
plural bevies
: a large group
a bevy of girls

More from Merriam-Webster on bevy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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