Spelling bee
A competition testing contestants' ability to spell words from dictionaries.
A spelling bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree of difficulty. To compete, contestants must memorize the spellings of words as written in dictionaries, and recite them accordingly. Historically, the word 'bee' has been used to describe a gathering for communal work, like a husking bee, a quilting bee, or an apple bee. According to etymological research recorded in dictionaries, the word 'bee' probably comes from dialectal 'been' or 'bean' (meaning 'help given by neighbors'), which came from Middle English bene (meaning 'prayer', 'boon' and 'extra service by a tenant to his lord').
- Key reference dictionary
- Merriam-Webster Unabridged / Webster's Third New International Dictionary
Lore & Background
A key impetus for the contests was Noah Webster's spelling books. Spelling bees became widespread across the United States during the 19th century as a way to motivate students to learn standardized spelling. They were usually held in individual schools and towns, and were not nationally organized. Marie Bolden, a black girl from Cleveland, was named champion which caused a scandal in rivaling New Orleans. The winner was Frank Neuhauser, age 11, who won the 1st National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. In the US, spelling bees are annually held from local levels up to the level of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which awards a cash prize to the winner. The National Spelling Bee is sponsored by English-language newspapers and educational foundations; it is also broadcast on ESPN. This was the first year that spellers from Canada and New Zealand attended the competition. The final authority for words is the Webster's Third New International Dictionary. The annual study list is available from Scripps, either online or in print. While the scope of most spelling bees is limited to individual countries or continents, there are also a few global Spelling Bees such as ISB Spelling Bee International, which has participation from across the world.
Reader's Guide
Spelling bees have served as a tool for promoting standardized spelling and literacy, particularly in the United States, where they became widespread during the 19th century. The Scripps National Spelling Bee, broadcast on ESPN and ABC, has become a major cultural event, drawing participants from multiple countries. Spelling bees have also spread globally, with organized competitions in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Spelling Bee is endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education and awards scholarships. In Singapore, the RHB-The Straits Times National Spelling Championship involved thousands of students. The India Spelling Bee features school-level, state, and national competitions. In Latin America, the Amco Spelling Bee includes schools from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Chile, Honduras, and El Salvador. Spelling bees continue to evolve, with global events like ISB Spelling Bee International fostering cross-border participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spelling bee?
A spelling bee is a word competition in which participants must correctly spell a sequence of words drawn from a reference dictionary. Contestants memorize standard dictionary spellings and recite each letter aloud to demonstrate accuracy.
Why is it called a 'bee'?
The term traces back to older dialectal words like 'been' or 'bean,' which described neighbors pooling their help for a shared task. It follows the same naming pattern as a quilting bee or husking bee, evoking a communal gathering.
Which dictionary do spelling bee contestants use?
The standard reference is the Merriam-Webster Unabridged, also known as Webster's Third New International Dictionary. Contestants are expected to know word spellings exactly as they appear in that specific dictionary.
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