beehive

American  

[bee-hahyv] / ˈbiˌhaɪv /

noun

1. a habitation or dwelling-place constructed for bees, bee, usually either dome-shaped or box-shaped.

2. a natural habitation of bees, bee, as a hollowed-out tree.

3. a crowded, busy place.

4. something resembling an artificial beehive in appearance, as a hut or hairdo.

5. Also called beehive oven.  an oven for converting coal into coke, characterized by its dome-shaped roof.

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beehive ¹ British  

/ ˈbiːˌhaɪv /

noun

1. a man-made receptacle used to house a swarm of bees

2. a dome-shaped hair style in which the hair is piled high on the head

3. a place where busy people are assembled

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Beehive ² British  

/ ˈbiːˌhaɪv /

noun

1. the dome-shaped building that houses sections of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand

2. the New Zealand government

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Etymology

Origin of beehive

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; bee ¹, hive

Example Sentences

Which begs the question: When Pierson chose her first beehive wig in 1976, did she realise it would become her signature look for the next five decades?

From BBC

The room was crowded, bodies pressed in on me from all sides, and the air had an angry hum that reminded me of a beehive I’d accidentally hit with my baseball when I was nine.

From Literature

But when she arrives at Iona’s apartment, Andie is shocked to see that a coiffed perm, light makeup, a sensible suit and a string of pearls have replaced her friend’s beehives and gelled spikes.

From Salon

Since 2017, the land has also been home to several beehives.

From BBC

Her grandparents, she said, got in trouble for selling honey from their beehives to make extra money.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• braid
• dreadlocks
• haircut
• hairdo
• headdress
• ponytail