Hivelet
/ˈhaɪv.lət/noun
A small hive, especially a small structure or container used for bees.
Did you know?Hivelet is formed with the diminutive suffix “-let,” the same scale-shrinking ending found in words such as booklet and ringlet.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hūbī
“A hive or bee dwelling; the exact older origin is uncertain.”
Old English
Old English
hȳf
“A hive, especially a habitation for bees.”
Middle English
Middle English
hyve
“A hive or beehive.”
14th–15th Century
English
hive
“A bee dwelling; later also a crowded or industrious community.”
Middle English
Anglo-French/English
-let
“A diminutive suffix meaning “small” or “little,” derived through French forms ultimately related to Latin diminutive formations.”
Modern English
English
hivelet
“A small hive, formed from hive plus the diminutive suffix -let.”