honeycomb

1 of 2

noun

hon·​ey·​comb ˈhə-nē-ˌkōm 

1

: a mass of hexagonal wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain their brood and stores of honey

2

: something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance

especially : a strong lightweight cellular structural material

honeycomb

2 of 2

verb

honeycombed; honeycombing; honeycombs

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to be full of cavities like a honeycomb

b

: to make into a checkered pattern : fret

2

a

: to penetrate into every part : fill

b

: subvert, weaken

intransitive verb

: to become pitted, checked, or cellular

Examples of honeycomb in a Sentence

Noun

One of the honeycombs was empty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Plus, the middle section’s quilted honeycomb pattern evenly distributes pressure to help prevent excess back and joint strain, according to the brand. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Textural artistries, like the seersucker effect, irregular bouclé, and honeycomb constructions were introduced in the collection. —Andrea Onate, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025

Verb

Avia Athletic Light Runner Shoes There’s more that connects these two styles outside of their streamlined, cushioned appearances and honeycombed outsoles, though. —Alyssa Brascia, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025

This ZIP code is honeycombed with nice developments, much of it fairly new. —Andrew Depietro, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1735, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for honeycomb

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome
• monochrome

Kids Definition

honeycomb

1 of 2 noun

hon·​ey·​comb -ˌkōm 

1

: a mass of six-sided wax cells built by honeybees in their nest to contain young bees and stores of honey

2

: something that resembles a honeycomb in structure or appearance

honeycomb

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become full of holes like a honeycomb

Medical Definition

honeycomb

noun

hon·​ey·​comb -ˌkōm 

: reticulum sense 1