What does beehive mean?
A beehive is an enclosed structure in which honeybees live and raise their young, most commonly referring to the man-made boxes used by beekeepers to house managed colonies and harvest honey. Traditional hives included woven skeps, while modern designs such as movable-frame hives allow inspection without destroying the comb. By extension, the word can denote the colony of bees inhabiting such a structure, and figuratively it describes any crowded, industrious setting — a busy office might be called a beehive of activity. The word carries connotations of industry, cooperation, and order, reflecting the famously organized life of honeybees. It also survives in cultural references, most notably the beehive hairdo, a tall, rounded hairstyle popularized in the early 1960s that mimicked the dome-like shape of traditional hives.
A box or other structure in which honeybees are kept, especially one designed to allow the collection of honey.
"She placed the new beehive near the wildflower meadow."
A colony of bees living together in such a structure.
"The whole beehive buzzed with activity on a warm afternoon."
(Informal) A place or scene of busy, constant activity.
"The kitchen turned into a beehive as everyone prepared the feast."
Regular plural formation.
"The farm had dozens of beehives scattered across its hillsides."
The towering 'beehive hairdo' of the 1960s got its name because it literally resembled the stacked domes of traditional woven hives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of beehive
Beehive is a compound of 'bee', from Old English 'bēo', and 'hive', from Old English 'hȳf', meaning a dwelling place for bees. Both elements are Germanic in origin; 'hȳf' is related to Old Norse 'hýfr'. The compound has existed in English since the medieval period and has remained essentially stable in form and meaning.
How beehive is actually used
In everyday speech, 'beehive' often refers to the whole colony rather than just the wooden box, though beekeepers distinguish carefully between the hive (structure) and the colony (the bees). The figurative sense — any bustling hub of activity — is common in journalism. The compound 'beehive hairdo' refers to a tall, voluminous women's hairstyle popular in the early 1960s.
Easily confused with beehive
An apiary is the place where multiple beehives are kept, while a beehive is a single dwelling for one bee colony.