Etymology Map
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Bee

3 stages from Proto-Germanic to English.

Today it means a winged insect that collects nectar and makes honey

Where does the word "bee" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic bijǭ, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bijǭ
Proto-Germanic · ancient
"bee"
German 'Biene' is a cousin
2
Stage 2 of 3
bēo
Old English · 700s-1000s
"bee"
an Anglo-Saxon charm for settling a swarm of bees is among the oldest English charms
3
Stage 3 of 3
bee
English · 1500s
"bee"
a 'spelling bee' is American, from the 1870s, like the older 'quilting bee': a gathering of busy workers
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Read the full story

Bee’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: bijǭ meant “bee.” German 'Biene' is a cousin. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as bēo. An Anglo-Saxon charm for settling a swarm of bees is among the oldest English charms. It reached English by 1500s as bee. A 'spelling bee' is American, from the 1870s, like the older 'quilting bee': a gathering of busy workers. Today, bee means a winged insect that collects nectar and makes honey.