First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hive
noun \ˈhīv\
: a nest for bees
: the bees living in a hive
: a place filled with busy activity
Full Definition of HIVE
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
— hive·less \-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of HIVE
Middle English, from Old English hȳf; perhaps akin to Old Norse hūfr ship's hull, Latin cūpa tub, Sanskrit kūpa cave
2hive
verb
hivedhiv·ing
Definition of HIVE
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
See hive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HIVE
14th century
HIVE Defined for Kids
hive
noun \ˈhīv\
Definition of HIVE for Kids
1
: a container for housing honeybees
2
: the usually aboveground nest of bees
3
: a colony of bees
4
: a place filled with busy people
Medical Dictionary
hive
noun \ˈhīv\
Medical Definition of HIVE
: the raised edematous red patch of skin or mucous membrane characteristic of hives : an urticarial wheal
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