noun

apiary

AY-pee-uh-ree

Apiary (noun) means a place where beehives are kept, typically a group of hives managed together for honey or pollination. Example: “The apiary sits at the far end of the orchard.”

noun

A place where beehives are kept, typically a group of hives managed together for honey or pollination.

"The apiary sits at the far end of the orchard."

"She inspects every hive in the apiary once a fortnight."

How to Use Apiary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA place where beehives are kept.

When to use it

Neutral; the ordinary term among beekeepers.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with 'aviary', which houses birds; apiary comes from apis, the Latin for bee.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aviary hive → apiarist

Common pairings

commercial apiary apiary site inspect the apiary rooftop apiary

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ sits at the far end of the orchard.

Etymology

From Latin apiarium 'beehouse', from apis 'bee'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bee yard bee farm

Rhymes for apiary

vary Mary nary wary Gary diary ovary weary canary salary binary January

See all rhymes for apiary →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an apiary and a hive?

A hive is a single box housing one colony of bees. An apiary is the site where hives are kept, usually several of them together, along with the stands, fencing and access that go with them.

What is a person who keeps bees called?

A beekeeper, or more formally an apiarist. The study and practice of beekeeping is called apiculture.

How many hives make an apiary?

There is no fixed number, and a single hive on a rooftop can be called an apiary. In practice the word usually implies a managed site with several hives kept together.