'bee-related' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'bee' and 'related'; 'bee' ultimately comes from Old English 'bēo' meaning 'bee', and 'related' comes from the past participle of Middle English 'relaten' (to relate).

'related' derives from Latin 'referre'/'relatus' via Old French and Middle English (Middle English 'relaten'), and 'bee' comes from Old English 'bēo'; the modern compound 'bee-related' formed by combining these established words in recent English usage.

Initially, the elements meant 'bee' (the insect) and 'brought back/connected' (from Latin roots for 'relate'); over time they combined into the modern adjective meaning 'connected with bees'.