Word
hives
US/ˈhaɪvz/
UK/hˈaɪvz/
Definitions
01skin rash
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Medicine
n. a skin condition where you get itchy, red, swollen bumps, often because of an allergy.
n. a skin condition characterized by itchy, raised, red welts, typically caused by an allergic reaction to food, medicine, or other irritants.
“She broke out in hives after eating a handful of peanuts by mistake.”
“The patient presented with acute hives across his torso, which the doctor suspected was a systemic reaction to the new antibiotic.”
Usage
Usually used as a plural noun; you 'break out in' or 'have' hives.
02bee homes
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. more than one hive, which is a place where bees live and make honey.
n. the plural form of hive, referring to multiple structures or containers where bees are kept.
“The beekeeper checked all ten hives to see how much honey was ready.”
“Rows of wooden hives were arranged along the edge of the orchard to ensure the apple trees were properly pollinated.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“His grandfather had about 10 hives, his father 40, and bees were always around when Šercelj was a child.” Etymology
Uncertain, but frequently connected with heave, even if such a derivation is phonologically difficult.
See hive
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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