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What is a group of bees called?

A swarm
of bees
a swarma grista hivea cluster
AnimalBees
CategoryInsects & Bugs
Collective nounSwarm, Grist, Hive, Cluster
Baby nameLarva
💡 A “swarm” is bees leaving with a queen to start a new colony.

FAQ

What is a group of bees called?

A group of bees is called a swarm. Other accepted terms include a grist, a hive, a cluster.

Are there other names for a group of bees?

Yes — besides a “swarm,” you may see “grist”, “hive”, “cluster”. Collective nouns often have several historic or regional variants.

What is a baby bee called?

A baby bee is called a larva.

More insects & bugs

Collective nouns are a mix of traditional “terms of venery,” literary inventions and modern coinages. Several variants are often equally “correct.”