a habitation or dwelling-place constructed for bees, usually either dome-shaped or box-shaped.
a natural habitation of bees, as a hollowed-out tree.
a crowded, busy place.
something resembling an artificial beehive in appearance, as a hut or hairdo.
Also called beehive oven. an oven for converting coal into coke, characterized by its dome-shaped roof.
a man-made receptacle used to house a swarm of bees
a dome-shaped hair style in which the hair is piled high on the head
a place where busy people are assembled
the dome-shaped building that houses sections of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand
the New Zealand government
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at bee 1, hive
A beehive is a structure — either made by humans or bees — in which bees live and make honey. You might find a beehive in a hollow tree. If you become a beekeeper, you will either build or buy one or more beehives for your bees to live in. You might wear a protective suit, with a hat and netting that covers your face, when you are cleaning or checking on your beehives, to avoid being stung. Around 1960, the word beehive began being used to refer to a remarkable hairstyle, a round, high teased style that requires plenty of hairspray.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. —The city seal shows a beehive, seven bees and a Latin motto that translates to: “Industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
So far, the royal visit has gone smoothly, with Trump warmly greeting Charles and Camilla on Monday, where they chatted over tea before visiting a beehive in the shape of the White House.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
But when he discovers a beehive, he shares the honey with his fellow prisoners by smearing it over his body.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026
The mayor of Aurillac, Pierre Mathonier, was reported as saying that Asian hornets threatening a beehive may have been the catalyst for the attack.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025
She had a big beehive hairdo and cat-eye glasses.
From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
