hive

1 of 2

noun

ˈhīv 

1

a

: a container for housing honeybees

b

: the usually aboveground nest of bees

2

: a colony of bees

3

: a place swarming with activity

hiveless

ˈhīv-ləs 

adjective

hive

2 of 2

verb

hived; hiving

intransitive verb

1

of bees : to enter and take possession of a hive

2

: to reside in close association

transitive verb

1

: to collect into a hive

2

: to store up in or as if in a hive

Examples of hive in a Sentence

Noun

The house was a hive of activity as we prepared for the party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Keep in mind, side effects of guaifenesin may include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, and nausea or vomiting, among others. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Sep. 2024

One of the biggest offenders, according to critics, is a hive of sitting-duck nuclear weapons in the middle of the country. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 11 Sep. 2024

Who would have ever thought that a 6-year-old sitting in a hive of bees hunting queens, the lessons being taught to him then would lead to him being invited 45 years later to help explain an explosion in an atomic fuel reprocessing plant in Northeastern Siberia? —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024

This time of year, bees can be more aggressive because the nectar in their hives can dry up. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hȳf; perhaps akin to Old Norse hūfr ship's hull, Latin cūpa tub, Sanskrit kūpa cave

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing hive

• hive mind
• hive off

Kids Definition

hive

1 of 2 noun

ˈhīv 

1

a

: a container for housing honeybees

b

: the usually aboveground nest of bees

c

: a colony of bees

2

: a place swarming with busy occupants

hive

2 of 2 verb

hived; hiving

1

a

: to collect into a hive

hive bees

b

: to enter and take over a hive or nesting place

2

: to live or gather in close association

Medical Definition

hive

noun

ˈhīv 

: the raised edematous red patch of skin or mucous membrane characteristic of hives : an urticarial wheal