Search Dictionary
Definition of honeyguide

honeyguide

/ˈhʌn.iˌɡaɪd/
hon · ey · guide
Plural:honeyguides
JUMP TO:

honeyguide Lexical Profile

honeyguide Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several species of mostly dull-colored birds of the family Indicatoridae, native primarily to Sub-Saharan Africa and known for their remarkable behavior of leading humans and other mammals to wild bee colonies so they can feed on the leftover beeswax and larvae.

Example

"The local foragers whistled to attract a honeyguide, hoping the small bird would lead them to a fresh hive hidden in the baobab tree."

• Nearby Words

honeydew
honeyeater
honeyed
honeyguide
honeymoon
honeymooner
honeypot

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'honey' and 'guide', first recorded in the late 18th century, referring directly to the bird's famous mutualistic behavior of leading humans and other mammals to wild bees' nests.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Honeyguide. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/honeyguide
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.