Pop Culture dictionary
BeyHive
Beyhive [bee-hahyv]
What does BeyHive mean?
BeyHive, or Beyhive, is a term used to refer to the fandom of musician Beyoncé. This term is commonly used by the media and by fans themselves.
The term BeyHive is used to refer to fans of Beyoncé. Beyoncé fans commonly use the name to affectionately refer to themselves, especially if they view themselves as passionate fans. The term BeyHive is also commonly used in media coverage of Beyoncé and her fandom.
Example: Beyoncé performed in Los Angeles last night and the BeyHive was out in full force.
Where does BeyHive come from?
A common nickname used to refer to Beyoncé is Queen Bey. This name is a pun that references queen bee, a term used formally to refer to the female leader of a bee colony and informally to refer to a preeminent woman (like Beyoncé).
BeyHive continues this wordplay as a pun of the word beehive. Beyoncé fans metaphorically see themselves as drone bees that follow the lead of the Queen Bey (“queen bee”).
The term BeyHive has been used as a self-referential term by Beyoncé fans since at least 2009 and became more commonly used in the early 2010s.
I really belive the #Beyhive run twitter..
— SAINTxCARTER (@MrVicks) June 13, 2011
@joshyCOUTURE YESSS!!!! WELCOME TO THE BEYHIVE!!!!
— ♫Dreamer/Nightmare♫ (@HarmonicDreamer) November 27, 2009
We, as a BeyHive, need to grow with Beyonce. I think we've been so consumed by popularity that we forget we Stan for an ICONIC LEGEND.
— 😅🪐🚶🏽♂️ (@XXVIIXCI) June 11, 2011
Beyoncé was aware of the BeyHive term as early as 2012 and supported the name on her website. In early 2013, Beyoncé started a lifestyle blog named “The BeyHive” that featured fan content and further spread awareness of the fandom’s name for itself.
Examples of BeyHive
Who uses BeyHive?
BeyHive is commonly used to collectively refer to the Beyoncé fandom, both by people inside and outside the community.
Can Swifties and BeyHive finally unite now?? Both women are forces and carry the music industry on their backs
— Lindsey (@1989deluxealbum) November 30, 2023
I’m so happy I live with two beyhive members – the way we bout to perform in this house when the live album drops
— WUHRYN DUMAS (@wuhryn) December 1, 2023
I’m gonna go see Renaissance on Saturday afternoon. I know I’m gonna enjoy it better at home but I’m looking forward to being festive at the theater with other Beyhive members.
— Brandon Jay (@HeyBrandito) December 1, 2023
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of BeyHive like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of BeyHive that will help our users expand their word mastery.