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spelling bee
noun
: a spelling contest in which contestants are eliminated as soon as they misspell a word
Examples of spelling bee in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From dance recitals to spelling bees and even exams, kids can feel pressure from being in the spotlight.
—Catherine Holecko, Parents, 10 July 2024
Aliyah, who also plays the violin, became interested in spelling and spelling bees as a child.
—Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024
Wardle made the game’s first iteration in 2013 due to Shah being a lover of crosswords and spelling bees.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 2 Oct. 2023
Her story was recently taken up by researchers from the language learning platform Babbel, who were exploring the history of spelling bees in the United States.
—Livia Albeck-Ripka, New York Times, 1 June 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Spelling bee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spelling%20bee. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
spelling bee
noun
: a spelling contest in which each contestant who spells a word wrong is eliminated
More from Merriam-Webster on spelling bee
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spelling bee
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