beekeeping
|bee-keep-ing|
/ˈbiːˌkiːpɪŋ/
keeping bees
Etymology
'beekeeping' is a compound of the word 'bee' and the gerund 'keeping' in Modern English; literally 'keeping bees'.
'bee' comes from Old English 'bēo' (from Proto-Germanic *bijô) meaning 'bee', and 'keep' comes from Old English 'cēpan'/'cupan' (to hold, keep). The modern compound 'beekeeping' developed by combining these elements with the -ing gerund/participle suffix.
Initially it referred simply to the act of keeping bees; over time it has continued to denote the practice, trade, or hobby of managing bees (including commercial honey production and pollination services).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the practice or work of keeping and caring for bees, especially to produce honey or provide pollination.
Beekeeping requires protective clothing and careful handling of hives.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the occupation or hobby of maintaining beehives and breeding bees.
Many small farms rely on beekeeping for an additional source of income.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/06 19:15