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

Testing may also be appropriate for people with unexplained hives, swelling, anaphylaxis, or recurring gastrointestinal symptoms that seem to occur after eating meat. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2026

In addition to the 62 guest rooms and suites and 16 private cottages, the expansive grounds of Southall Farm & Inn are home to more than 8 million bees, which fly amidst the property’s 140 hives. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

The documentary series, which premieres on National Geographic tomorrow and will be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu on April 1, offers an intimate perspective on a hive of honeybees preparing to survive the winter. —Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 30 Mar. 2026

Allergic reactions may include symptoms such as hives, swelling, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for hive

• dive
• drive
• five
• jive
• live
• strive
• thrive
• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive
• connive

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