How to Win a Spelling Bee

Co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 17, 2023 Fact Checked

If you're preparing for a spelling bee, you don't have to read a dictionary cover to cover, but you do need to study! Whether you're competing at your school or at a higher level, improving your vocabulary and learning word patterns can get you closer to victory. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, you can master the spelling bee and take home a trophy!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Studying Words

Download Article

1
Review the word list if you have one. Familiarize yourself with the words that will appear in the spelling bee. Circle any words that seem difficult or any you don't recognize so you know where to focus most of your attention. Make sure you practice spelling each of the words from the list until you master them.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Work on word lists made for your grade level before moving on to lists made for higher levels.
2
Look for common spelling bee words online if a list isn't provided. Many regional and national spelling bees don't have set word lists, but you can find frequently used words through Merriam-Webster and online study sources. Find words that you find challenging and focus your time on learning them. Start with words in your grade level before studying higher-level words.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Spell It! From Merriam-Webster lists over 1,000 words that are commonly used in bees along with tips and tricks on how to remember their spelling.
- Look on online flashcard websites like Quizlet for study options that other people preparing for spelling bees have made.
Advertisement
3
Listen to the pronunciation of each word online so you hear how it sounds. Most online dictionaries offer an audio option where you can hear each word. Type the word into the search bar on the website and click on the small speaker icon to hear the word. This is how the announcer at the spelling bee will say the word.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Hearing the word while looking at the spelling will help you recognize how the letters are vocalized.
- If you're familiar with phonetic writing, you can find the correct pronunciation in the dictionary.
4
Practice spelling 15-20 words every day. Break your workload into manageable chunks of words to focus on. Pair difficult words with ones you're familiar with to give yourself a break between challenging spellings. Work until you master how to spell each word on your list for that given day.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Revisit words after a week to see if you can spell them correctly again.
- Increase or decrease the number of words you practice depending on what works for you.
5
Have someone announce the words so you can practice spelling them out loud. Pretend you're standing in front of a microphone just like you would at the actual spelling bee. When your friend or parent reads off the word, ask any questions you have, such as the definition or country of origin, or have them repeat the word. Practice spelling each word aloud.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Having someone read the words for you helps prepare you for being on stage as well as work on spelling under pressure.
- Make sure they pronounce the words correctly when they announce the words.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Improving Your Vocabulary

Download Article

1
Familiarize yourself with common word roots to figure out definitions. Many words are made by combining 2 or more roots that give hints on what the word means. A majority of words in English are formed with Latin or Greek roots. Make a list of common roots you find in your words. When you hear a new word, think back to the definition and the root word to figure out the spelling.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For example, the word telephone is made up of the roots “tele-” which means “at a distance” and “-phone” which means voice. Knowing these roots can help you spell words like television, telekinesis, or phonograph based on their definitions.
2
Look up the etymology of words online to learn the origins of words. Words originating from different countries may have specific rules or patterns that can help you spell the words. For example, words originating from Japan tend to end with a vowel sound or the letter N. Study words that come from various countries and regions of the world to familiarize yourself with their patterns.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Ask a librarian or English teacher to help you find a book to help you learn etymology.
- Many schools have access to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that lists the entire history of a word. Ask your librarian if your school or university has an OED login.
3
Read more books and look up words you don't know. Keep a dictionary near you as you read books at and above your grade level. If you come across a confusing word, try to guess what the word means based on the rest of the sentence, and then look it up in your dictionary. Make a list of the words you stop for to practice with.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example, in the sentence, “I noshed on some pretzels,” you may be unfamiliar with the word noshed. Based on the context of the sentence, you can guess that nosh means "to eat." When you look up the word, you'll find nosh means "to eat a snack."
- Some e-readers have a built-in dictionary that lets you look up words just by tapping on them.
4
Play word games. Look online for crosswords or practice spelling tests to help improve your spelling and increase your vocabulary. Keep track of words that are challenging so you can come back to them and practice spelling them later.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you want to play games with friends, try playing a game of Scrabble, Boggle, or Words with Friends.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Competing in the Spelling Bee

Download Article

1
Watch some spelling bees before you compete. If you've never seen or participated in a spelling bee before, familiarizing yourself with what they're like can help you feel more comfortable. Try attending a spelling bee in person or watching footage of different spelling bees online.
- Watching spelling bees can give you an idea of the typical format of the bee and what the on-stage experience is like for the competitors.
- You can watch televised national spelling bees, like the Scripps National Spelling Bee, on stations like ESPN. Check on YouTube for footage of smaller local or regional spelling bees.
2
Conquer stage fright. Stay calm while you're on stage by taking slow, deep breaths. Look directly at the announcer rather than anyone in the crowd so you don't get distracted. Listen to the announcer carefully so you hear each word.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Practicing spelling in front of your friends and family before the day of the spelling bee can help prepare you for standing in front of a larger audience.
3
Spell words on your palm with your finger to help remember the spelling. Pretend your finger is a pencil and your other hand is a piece of paper. As you hear the word, start writing it out one letter at a time in your palm. This can help you visualize the word better and recognize any mistakes before you spell the word out loud.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Take your time when spelling the word. Once you start saying it out loud, you can't make any changes.
- Try writing the words with your finger when you're practicing for the spelling bee to get used to the motions.
4
Ask questions about the word if you need clarification. If your spelling bee allows it, ask for the definition, country of origin, and what part of speech the word is so you know what patterns or roots you can expect from your word. If you have trouble hearing the announcer, ask them to repeat the word until you have a clear understanding of it.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Some spelling bees will allow the announcer to use the word in a sentence so you can hear it in context.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is it helpful to know the definition of the words for the spelling bee?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. In cases where you can't ask for the origin, you can ask for the definition, which will help you to determine the root.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 105
Question

How do I stop being nervous?

Community Answer

Calm yourself down and think, "Okay. So that word isn't hard, right? I'm an amazing speller, and I can totally do this!" Remind yourself that you know the words and you're excited to let others see this fact for real.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 69 Helpful 364
Question

What is the easiest way to win a spelling bee?

Community Answer

Learn the word by splitting it into syllables, and read it out loud.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 50 Helpful 317

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you have a word list, practice methodically. This will help you learn better if you look over small groups of words at a time.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Read more often than usual to increase your vocabulary.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
Search for lists of often-misspelled words if a list is not provided to you. Or do it anyway!

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Ask the announcer for alternate pronunciations, parts of speech, definitions or sentences using unfamiliar words so you fully understand what to spell before starting.
Don't worry about winning above all else. Just being part of a spelling bee is an accomplishment. Take your time, breathe, and focus on each word without rushing.
If you misspell a word, don't get discouraged. Analyze why and practice problem words more. Reach out to teachers or parents for help mastering tricky spellings.
Ask someone to read you words from higher grade levels too so you're prepared for trickier words beyond your current level. Review harder and easier words.
When practicing, record yourself slowly spelling words aloud, then play back the recordings to drill proper spellings into your memory through repetition.
Break down longer words into manageable syllables. Spell one syllable at a time instead of struggling with a lengthy word all at once during the bee.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Even if you don't get the win the first time, keep trying again and again. If you keep studying and learning, you might be able to win in the coming years.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1