μέλισσα
mélissa/ˈme.li.sa/feminine
The Greek word for bee is μέλισσα (mélissa).
μέλισσα is a noun used to refer to the insect commonly known as a bee.
Meaning: insect (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word μέλισσα is a feminine noun. To express the plural form, use μέλισσες. When you need to indicate possession or use the genitive singular, such as saying "of the bee", use της μέλισσας.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈme.li.sa/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word μέλισσα is the root of the English name 'Melissa', which literally means 'honey bee' in Greek.
- Ancient Greeks used the word μέλισσα to refer to certain priestesses of Artemis, as they were seen as messengers of the goddess.
- The word μέλισσα is shared with the botanical name for lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, because of its honey-like scent.
Examples in context
- Η μέλισσα δεν είναι πουλί.A bee is not a bird.This sentence is useful for distinguishing a bee from a bird using μέλισσα.Tatoeba #11658186 by carlosalberto, translation #11658164 by carlosalberto
- Η μέλισσα είναι έντομο και τρώει μέλι.The bee is an insect and it eats honey.This sentence describes the bee as an insect that eats honey using μέλισσα.Tatoeba #11664510 by carlosalberto, translation #11664497 by carlosalberto
- Οι αριθμοί των μελισσών υποχώρησαν φέτος.The numbers of bees declined this year.
- Γιατί οι μέλισσες είναι τόσο σημαντικές για τον φυσικό κόσμο;Why are bees so important for the natural world?
- Μια μέλισσα πετάει πάνω από το τραπέζι.Mia melissa petai pano apo to trapezí.A bee is flying over the table.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are sitting in a garden.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚοίτα, Μαρία, μια μέλισσα στο λουλούδι!Koita, Maria, mia melissa sto louloudi!Look, Maria, a bee on the flower!
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι πολύ όμορφη η μέλισσα.Einai poly omorphi i melissa.The bee is very beautiful.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜην την αγγίξεις γιατί θα σε τσιμπήσει.Min tin angixeis giati tha se tsimpisei.Don't touch it because it will sting you.
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις δίκιο, θα μείνω μακριά.Echeis dikio, tha meinō makria.You are right, I will stay away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bee” translations and entries μέλισσα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
