Bees are purported to have a powerful sense of direction that enables one to return via a straight line to its hive from any location. We can’t vouch for the science here, but the idea underlies the word beeline, which means a direct, straight course.1 The word also works as a verb meaning to move swiftly in a direct, straight course.2
Many dictionaries list the word with a hyphen—bee-line—and it sometimes appears as two distinct words. But English’s compounding impulse has done its work. This Ngram indicates that the one-word, unhyphenated beeline overcame the alternatives over half a century ago.
Examples
Here are a few examples of beeline used well:
My gang makes a beeline for the closest roller coaster, the Dragon. [Washington Post]
In recent days, as Gingrich beelined to the top of polling, examination of his past intensified. [Des Moines Register]
On the upside, investors made a beeline for stocks with defensive qualities or where earnings are relatively less prone to the economic cycle. [Independent]
But despite the electronic and appliance doorbusters, Sears shoppers were beelining for less pragmatic items. [Crain's Chicago Business]
References
1. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/16941 ^
2. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/beeline ^
