'bee-like' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'bee' and the suffix '-like'. 'bee' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bēo', where 'bēo' meant 'bee (the insect)'. The suffix '-like' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'līc'/'lic', where 'līc' meant 'body, form' and developed into the comparative/semblance suffix.

'bee' changed from Old English 'bēo' to Middle English 'bee' and eventually became the Modern English 'bee'. The suffix '-like' evolved from Old English 'līc'/'lic' through Middle English forms such as '-liche'/'-like' and became the Modern English suffix '-like', forming compounds like 'bee-like'.

Initially, the components referred literally to 'the insect (bee)' and 'body/form'; the compound originally conveyed 'having the form or appearance of a bee'. Over time the meaning broadened to 'resembling or characteristic of a bee' and further developed metaphorical senses such as 'industrious' or 'very busy'.