Beeline

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈbiːlaɪn/
• Rhymes: -iːlaɪn

Alternative forms

• bee-line

Origin

From bee + line, due to the belief that a bee returns to its hive in a straight course.

Full definition of beeline

Noun

1. A very direct or quick path or trip.The children made a beeline to the swimming pool.
• Joyce Ulysses, Episode 16Discussing these and kindred topics they made a beeline across the back of the Customhouse and passed under the Loop Line bridge where a brazier of coke burning in front of a sentrybox or something like one attracted their rather lagging footsteps.
2. (mining, chiefly historical) A dynamite fuse made with a small quantity of dynamite powder along its length, so that the spark travels quickly and at a specific known rate.

Verb

1. To travel in a straight course, ignoring established paths of travel.