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hive

Hive (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/haɪv/

What does hive mean?

A structure or dwelling created by certain social insects, particularly bees, as their home and central hub of activity.
"The office was a hive of activity as employees rushed to meet their deadlines."

Detailed Meaning of Hive

This type of hive is typically composed of hexagonal cells made of beeswax and serves as a place where bees live, store honey and pollen, and raise their brood. In a figurative sense, "hive" can also refer to a busy place or a bustling center of activity, much like the activity within a beehive. It can describe a location where people are energetically engaged in various tasks, creating a sense of industry and busyness. Additionally, "hive" can be used as a verb, meaning the act of coming together or clustering in a group, resembling the behavior of bees in a hive. In a different context, "hive" can also be used as a slang term for the human head, referring to the idea of a swarm of thoughts or ideas buzzing within one's mind.

Example Sentences for Hive

1. The kitchen became a hive as the chefs prepared meals for the evening rush.
2. The school hallway was a hive of students moving between classes.
3. The construction site buzzed with workers, resembling a hive of industriousness.
4. The marketplace transformed into a hive as vendors set up their stalls and customers flocked in.
5. During the holiday season, the shopping mall turned into a bustling hive of shoppers.
6. The stadium was a hive of excitement as fans cheered for their favorite team.

Origin and Etymology of Hive

The noun 'hive' has its etymological origins in Old English, where it was spelled as 'hyf.' It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'hufiz,' which meant 'hive' or 'dwelling.' The concept of a 'hive' as a structure or dwelling created by social insects, particularly bees, as their home and central hub of activity, has been a part of human knowledge and culture for centuries. The word 'hive' reflects the idea of a shelter or dwelling for bees and other insects, and its etymology is rooted in the historical connection between humans and these remarkable social insects, highlighting the importance of beekeeping and honey production throughout history.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun hive:

solitude

loneness

beehive

isolation

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Hive

1. The newsroom was a hive of journalists typing furiously to meet the publishing deadline.
2. The factory floor resembled a hive as workers operated machinery and packaged goods.
3. The backstage area of the theater became a hive of actors and crew members preparing for the show.
4. The café hummed with activity, resembling a cozy hive of customers chatting and enjoying their drinks.
5. The airport terminal was a hive of travelers, rushing to catch their flights and navigate through the crowds.
6. Bees diligently buzzed around their hive, collecting nectar.
7. The honeycomb inside the hive glistened with golden honey.
8. The hive's entrance was guarded by worker bees.
9. The beekeeper carefully inspected each hive for signs of disease.
10. A swarm of bees settled on a tree branch, seeking a new hive.
11. Inside the hive, bees communicated through intricate dances.
12. She harvested fresh honey from the hive in her backyard.
13. The hive thrived, producing honey for the entire colony.
14. The queen bee was the heart and soul of the hive.
15. Smoke was used to calm the bees during hive inspections.
16. Bees diligently foraged for pollen to bring back to the hive.
17. The hive's hexagonal cells were a marvel of nature's design.
18. The beekeeper provided shelter to a wayward swarm, giving them a new hive.
19. The hive was a bustling metropolis of activity.
20. Bees kept the hive's temperature precisely regulated.
21. A bear raided the hive, seeking honey for a sweet treat.
22. The bee colony synchronized their efforts to protect the hive.
23. The hive was a symbol of industry and cooperation.
24. The buzzing of bees was a constant sound around the hive.
25. The hive's structure was a masterpiece of insect architecture.