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Words 1–225 are Scripps National Spelling Bee School Level Study Words.

Before starting your bee, inform the spellers of your end-of-bee procedure. If you are using the Rules for Local Spelling Bees, refer to Rule 10. Failure to inform the spellers of how

you will end your bee may result in complications at the end of the bee.

If a word has a homonym or near-homonym, the word’s homonym status is probably noted at the word’s entry in this guide. We encourage you to include these words in your bee,

provided you indicate the word’s homonym or near-homonym status to the speller.

If you think a word is a homonym and yet a homonym is not listed, please check Merriam-Webster Unabridged for further information or skip the word. It is possible that we did not note the fact that the word is a homonym.

For the final word in handling homonyms, see the portions of Rules 5, 7 and 11 that refer to homonyms.

1. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of

speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

mad

This word is originally English.

adjective

[Could be confused with mat, Matt.]

angry.

Andre couldn’t remember why he was mad at his big sister, but he was pretty sure it was because she had done something annoying.

2. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

dots

This word is probably originally English.

plural noun

[Has homonyms: dauts/dawts.]

small round marks made on a surface with a pointed instrument.

When Winnie finished connecting the dots, she saw that the animal on the page was an owl.

3. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

row

This word is originally English.

noun

[Has homonym: roe.]

a number of objects in an orderly series.

Carla arranged her shoes in a row by the front door.

4. tiny

This word is from an originally English word.

adjective

very little.

Rachel took a tiny taste of her soup to see if was cool enough to eat.

24th Annual Adult Spelling BeeWord List and Study Guide

24th Annual Adult Spelling Bee Word List and Study Guide

October 7, 2017

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5. nest

This word is originally English.

noun

the place a bird builds for laying eggs and caring for its young.

Marianne spent hours watching the eggs in the eagle’s nest with her binoculars.

6. ship

This word is originally English.

noun

any large seagoing boat.

Maeve walked down to the harbor to watch the cargo ship sail in.

7. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

ears

This word is originally English.

plural noun

[Has homonym: ears/eres.]

the organs of hearing and balance in mammals.

Dr. Dressler prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection in Claire’s ears.

8. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

name

This word is originally English.

noun

[Has near-homonym: maim.]

a specific word or phrase that is used to refer to a person or thing.

Mr. Smith asked Sadie to print her name at the top of the page.

9. darts

This word passed to English from Germanic-derived French.

plural noun

a game in which small pointed missiles are thrown at a bull’s-eye on a target.

Ophelia and her grandfather played a quick game of darts after supper.

10. meal

This word is originally English.

noun

the food eaten at a particular time to satisfy hunger.

Nolan prepared spaghetti, salad and garlic bread for his evening meal.

11. sadly

This word is formed from originally English parts.

adverb

in an unhappy manner or way.

Ella pouted sadly when she realized her favorite TV show had been canceled.

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12. aim

Originally from Latin, this word passed from French to English.

verb

to point something at an object.

Gabriel will aim his telescope at the North Star to find the handle of the Little Dipper.

13. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

wash

This word is originally English.

verb

[Could be confused with watch.]

to clean something with water or another liquid.

Isaac and his two sisters wash the dishes each night.

14. stage

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English.

noun

the raised flooring in a theater or auditorium where people put on performances.

Ben took his place at the front of the stage and smiled at the audience.

15. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

maybe

This word is originally English.

adverb

[Has homonyms: geographical term Maybee, proper name Maeby.]

perhaps.

Nora’s dad told her that if she helped him cook supper, maybe they could go out for ice cream for dessert.

16. cried

This word went from Latin to French to English.

verb

expressed grief, pain or distress by producing tears from the eyes.

Jonas cried when he stubbed his toe.

17. straw

This word is originally English.

noun

a tube used for sucking up a drink.

Quinn slurped his chocolate milk through a straw.

18. open

This word is originally English.

adjective

not shut.

Trey’s open window let in a cool breeze.

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19. shell

This word is originally English.

noun

a hard protective covering of an animal.

Casey found a large pink shell next to a piece of driftwood on the beach.

20. hugged

This word is perhaps of Scandinavian origin.

verb

held within the arms.

Xavier hugged his parents and blew his little sister a good-night kiss before heading to bed.

21. brush

This word went from French to English.

noun

a tool with bristles set in a handle that is used for sweeping, scrubbing, painting and smoothing.

Anna used a soft brush to remove the tangles from her hair.

22. trail

This word is from English.

noun

a marked path through a forest or mountainous region.

Joshua and Amy were careful to stick to the trail on their hike through the woods.

23. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

center or centre

This word went from Greek to Latin to French to English.

noun

middle area.

Jess chased the soccer ball back toward the center of the field.

24. lava

This word is from Italian, which took it from a Latin word.

noun

fluid rock that comes out of a volcano or from an opening in the earth’s surface.

Lava can flow great distances before cooling and hardening.

25. bathtub

This word is formed from an English part and a part that passed from Dutch to English.

noun

a large container in which people wash or soak themselves.

Luke filled the bathtub with water, added bubbles and a rubber duck, and climbed in.

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26. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

nose

This word is originally English.

noun

[Has homonyms: knows, nos.]

the part of the face that sticks out and has the nostrils.

The girl’s nose is red because she has a cold.

27. taxi

This word is from a word that went from German to French.

noun

a car that carries a passenger between any two points (as within a city) in exchange for money.

It cost Shaan $10 to take a taxi to the museum.

28. food

This word is originally English.

noun

parts of animals and plants that humans and animals eat.

When Daniel gets hungry, he digs around in the fridge for food to eat.

29. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

bird

This word is originally English.

noun

[Has chiefly Scottish variant: burd. Has homonym: burred. Could be confused with proper name Burt.]

a warm-blooded, feathered animal that lays eggs and has wings instead of arms.

Hildy asked her dad if he knew what kind of bird had just landed at the feeder.

30. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

wear

This word is originally English.

verb

[Has homonyms: ware, where.]

to use or have on your body.

Gabrielle prefers to wear socks that don’t match.

31. rules

This word passed from Latin to French to English.

plural noun

a set of official codes of behavior that tell you what you can and cannot do in an activity (such as a sport).

On the first day of practice, the coach explained the rules of the game to the team.

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32. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

boring

This word is of unknown origin.

adjective

[Has near-homonyms: borine, boreen.]

causing a feeling of weariness or dissatisfaction : dull.

Aaron loved watching soccer, but Ben found it boring.

33. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

ferns

This word is originally English.

plural noun

[Could be confused with firns.]

nonflowering leafy plants that reproduce by spores instead of seeds.

The gardening website recommended planting ferns in a partly shaded area.

34. sandbox

The first part of this word is originally English, and the second part went from Greek to Latin to English.

noun

a large container filled with a loose material for children to play in.

Jerry and his dad built a sandbox for the backyard and filled it with lots of beach toys.

35. elbow

This word is originally English.

noun

the joint between your upper arm and forearm.

To show how strong she was, Katherine bent her right arm at the elbow and flexed her muscles.

36. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

braid

This word is originally English.

verb

[Has homonym: brayed. Has chiefly dialectical variant: breid.]

to weave three or more strands (of hair) together into one or more lengths.

Olivia prefers to braid her hair before swimming so it gets less tangled.

37. stuck

This word is originally English.

verb

attached by or as if by gluing or plastering.

Ingrid was upset to see that the oatmeal cookies had stuck to the pan again.

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38. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

lawn

Originally Celtic in origin, this word passed from French to English.

noun

[Different definition could be confused with similarly pronounced archaic laund.]

ground covered with grass that is kept closely mowed.

Before he mowed the lawn, Denny spent a few minutes pulling up dandelions.

39. posters

This word is originally English.

plural noun

signs hung in public places that serve as decoration or consist of pictures.

Steph and Maya made posters to let people know about their upcoming yard sale.

40. swift

This word is originally English.

adjective

moving or able to move with great speed.

After the rain storm, the tiny creek swelled into a swift and dangerous river.

41. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

moody

This word is originally English.

adjective

[Has homonym: moudie/moudy.]

unhappy and rudely grumpy.

The band’s lead singer is known for being moody.

42. grain

Originally from Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

the seed of any cereal grass (as wheat, oats, rice, millet).

Riley visited a mill to see how the grain of wheat is ground into flour.

43. coast

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

the seashore or land near it.

The Smiths took a trip to the coast last summer to swim at the beach.

44. restless

This word is originally English.

adjective

not calm : fidgety, nervous.

The restless child had trouble standing still in line.

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45. parents

This word went from Latin to French to English.

plural noun

fathers and mothers.

Parker likes to help his parents by doing extra chores around the house.

46. shopping

This word is from an originally English word.

noun

searching for, inspecting or buying available goods or services.

Mom says it makes the shopping go quicker if we take a list of groceries we need.

47. mouse

This word is originally English.

noun

a small animal with a pointed snout, small ears and a thin tail.

Carla fed her pet mouse some crumbs of bread.

48. anyone

This word is originally English.

pronoun

a person or some people.

Frances wondered if anyone would be at home when she got back from her piano lesson.

49. lookout

This word is originally English.

noun

a person engaged in keeping watch.

Cora asked her brother to be a lookout while she raided the cookie jar.

50. The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

fuddy-duddy

This word is perhaps from Scottish.

noun

a person who is old-fashioned or very traditional.

When Fiona learned that Davis preferred to write letters instead of emails, she called him a fuddy-duddy.

51. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

temper

This word is from a Latin word that passed from French to English.

noun

[Has near-homonyms: tamper, Templar.]

calmness of mind.

Hayden lost his temper after his puppy chewed his favorite pair of shoes.

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52. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

paint

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

[Could be confused with pained.]

a mixture of color and a liquid that form a thin coating when applied to a surface.

Dad scraped and sanded the windowsills before putting two coats of paint on them.

53. banana

This word is from an originally African word that passed from Portuguese to Spanish to English.

noun

a long curved fruit that is yellow when ripe.

Carrie’s favorite breakfast is a bowl of cereal topped with chopped banana.

54. untidy

This word consists of originally English elements.

adjective

not neat in appearance : careless.

Allie’s untidy, tangled hair and wrinkled clothing made her look as if she had just woken up.

55. darkest

This word is from an originally English word plus an English combining form.

adjective

having the least light.

Miriam always requested the darkest hotel room when she traveled so she could get her beauty rest.

56. chatter

This word is imitative English.

noun

useless talk.

Lola got tired of Andrea’s nervous chatter.

57. sturdy

This word is from a Latin word that passed through French.

adjective

durable : solid.

The salesman told Eli’s family that all of the bargain boats were sturdy and worthy of the sea.

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58. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

riddle

This word is originally English.

noun

[Different definition has variant: riddel.]

a puzzling question to be guessed at.

Daniel’s favorite riddle was so hard to solve that he often forgot the answer himself.

59. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

dollars

This word is from a Czech geographical name that passed from German to Dutch.

plural noun

[Different definition has similarly pronounced variant: talers/thalers.]

notes representing the unit of money used in the United States.

Tessa was alarmed to find the hoodie she wanted cost 50 dollars.

60. feast

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

an elaborate meal.

The king planned a feast to celebrate his upcoming marriage.

61. subject

Originally from Latin, this word passed through French before becoming English.

noun

an area of knowledge or study taught at school.

Arielle’s favorite subject to study in school is mathematics.

62. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

might

This word is originally English.

verb

[Has homonym: mite.]

— used with a main verb to express that something is possible or could happen.

If Wendy and Jane hurry, they might get home before it rains.

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63. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

flicker

This word is originally English.

verb

[Has homonym: app Flickr. Has near-homonym: proper name Flicka.]

to burn in spurts.

Karen watched the campfire flicker for a few moments before dousing it with water.

64. onion

Originally Latin, this word passed from French to English.

noun

an edible plant with a sharp smell and taste that is used as a vegetable.

Jacob loved putting onion and lettuce on his cheeseburgers.

65. strange

This word went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

unusual.

Sean was curious to identify the strange new flowers that were growing outside his house.

66. married

This word passed from Latin to French before becoming English.

adjective

wedded.

The married couple volunteered to pick up trash in their local park.

67. pounce

This word came from French before becoming English.

verb

to suddenly grab for something.

Marie sat on the edge of the couch, ready to pounce on her phone should it ring.

68. supplies

This word is English in origin.

plural noun

items available for use.

It was Deena’s job to gather supplies for the earthquake victims.

69. farewell

This word is English in origin.

noun

a good-bye.

Leah bid a farewell to her father as she boarded her plane to Paris.

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70. pebbles

Originally English, the first part of this word is probably imitative in origin.

plural noun

small round stones.

Lyla enjoyed collecting pebbles from the creek by her house.

71. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

young

This word is English in origin.

adjective

[Has homonym: yong/yung (as in egg foo yong).]

in an early stage of life, growth or development.

When children are young, they need to ride in a car seat for their safety.

72. vacation

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

a time spent away from home or work to travel and relax.

The President of the United States sometimes goes on a vacation to Camp David.

73. puzzles

This word is of unknown origin.

plural noun

questions, problems or toys designed to test cleverness.

Katy’s room was decorated with jigsaw puzzles she had completed and framed.

74. skateboard

The first part of this word is from a perhaps originally Germanic word that passed through French to Dutch, and the second part is originally English.

noun

a short piece of wood with small wheels used for riding on and perform tricks.

Avery asked for a new skateboard and helmet for her birthday.

75. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

poem

This word passed from Greek to Latin to French.

noun

[Has homonym: pome.]

writing in verse.

Jack’s favorite poem is “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein.

76. twine

This word is originally English.

noun

a strong string made by twisting two or more strands together.

Arya used twine to tie her packages to her bike so that they wouldn’t fall off as she rode.

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77. nifty

This word is of unknown origin.

adjective

handy.

Alex’s nifty motorized vacuum cleaner was very efficient at sucking up cat fur.

78. monkeys

This word is probably of German, Dutch or Flemish origin.

plural noun

primates that are smaller and longer-tailed than apes.

The children enjoyed watching the playful monkeys at the zoo.

79. contract

This word is from Latin.

noun

an agreement between two or more people to do or not to do something.

Darcy had to sign a contract on the first day of school promising her teacher that she would follow the classroom rules.

80. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

belief

This word is originally English.

noun

[Has near-homonym: believe.]

when trust or confidence is placed in a person or thing.

Joel’s firm belief in his teammates made him confident they would win.

81. janitor

This word is from Latin.

noun

someone who keeps an apartment, office or other building clean and who makes minor repairs,

Morris took a part-time job as a janitor at an apartment complex in exchange for free rent.

82. observe

This word went from Latin to French to English.

verb

obey.

Anyone who does not observe the rules will have to go to detention hall.

83. anteater

This word is made up of two originally English parts.

noun

a mammal that has a long narrow snout, long sticky tongue and usually no teeth that feeds entirely on insects.

The anteater has a tongue that is nearly twice the length of its head.

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84. elderly

This word is originally English.

adjective

advanced in years.

Mia took piano lessons from her elderly neighbor every week.

85. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

portable

This word went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

[Could be confused with potable.]

light enough to be carried.

Mason was excited to take his new portable grill on his family’s camping trip.

86. timidly

This word consists of an originally Latin part plus an English combining form.

adverb

in a way that is not brave or courageous.

After hitting a baseball into her mom’s car, Lisa crept timidly into the house to tell her parents.

87. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

massive

This word came to English from French, which formed it from an originally Greek element and an originally Latin element.

adjective

[Has near-homonym: massif.]

weighty : heavy.

Joel lifted his massive backpack and nearly toppled over.

88. trance

This word is from a Latin word that passed through French before becoming English.

noun

daze.

Greggory went into a trance after he learned he had won the lottery.

89. flexible

Originally Latin, this word passed through French before becoming English.

adjective

bending easily.

Jerry made a basket from thin, flexible strips of wood he’d soaked in water.

90. teaspoon

The first part of this word is from Chinese and the second is originally English.

noun

a small spoon used for stirring and drinking tea or coffee.

Paavo used a teaspoon to add sugar to his coffee.

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91. climbed

This word is originally English.

verb

used your hands to raise yourself upwards.

Bianca climbed the hill near her house so she could see the view.

92. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

knitting

This word is from an originally English word.

verb

[Has homonym: netting. Has differently pronounced dialectical variant “knet.”]

the act of making something (such as clothing) from interlacing yarn using your hands or machine needles.

Alexis was knitting and catching up on her favorite TV show.

93. deadline

This word is made up of two originally English parts.

noun

a firm time limit by which something must be completed.

Gemma worked hard to finish her class project before the deadline.

94. passage

This word is from Latin-derived French.

noun

a brief section of a written work or speech that is mentioned by itself.

Graham can quote his favorite passage from A Tale of Two Cities from memory.

95. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

complaints

This word passed to English from Latin-derived French.

plural noun

[Could be confused with complains.]

expressions of unfairness.

The sign read, “Sorry, our deadline for accepting complaints was yesterday.”

96. nonsense

Both parts of this word were originally Latin and then became French.

noun

something that is not capable of being understood.

Leeanne said soothing nonsense to the crying baby.

97. laundry

This word is originally English.

noun

a group of clothes to be washed.

Mike’s mother told him that she expects him to put his dirty laundry in the hamper.

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98. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

lodging

This word is originally Germanic in origin and passed through French before becoming English.

noun

[Could be confused with logging.]

a temporary place to stay.

Marshall depended on his parents for lodging while his new house was being built.

99. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

veins

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English.

plural noun

[Has homonym: vanes, vains (obsolete).]

tubes that carry blood from different parts of your body to your heart.

The marathon runner loved the feeling of her blood coursing through her veins as she ran.

100. mountain

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

a high landmass.

Everly wanted to hike every mountain in Switzerland during her family’s vacation.

101. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

hooves

This word is originally English.

plural noun

[Has similarly pronounced variant: hoofs.]

curved, hard coverings that protect the feet of an animal (such as a horse or goat).

Laura had shoes put on her horse Colonel to protect his hooves from wear.

102. indicate

This word is from Latin.

verb

to point at.

Mrs. Marquette asked her toddler to indicate which toy he wanted.

103. performance

This word came to English from Latin-derived French.

noun

a public presentation (as of a dramatic work).

Jennifer bought a ticket to a matinee performance of “Giselle.”

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104. biology

This word was formed in German from originally Greek parts.

noun

the science of life.

Mikoto is learning about the structure of cells in her biology class.

105. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

clause

Originally Latin, this word passed through French before becoming English.

noun

[Has homonym: claws.]

a group of words in a sentence that has its own subject and verb.

Mrs. Hudson told Eddy to simplify his sentence by removing an extra clause.

106. specific

This word is from Latin.

adjective

falling into a precisely stated category.

Suzanna is looking for a specific type of table for her entryway.

107. bemused

This word consists of an originally English part plus a part that went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

having or showing feelings of wry entertainment especially from something that is surprising or perplexing.

Nala had a bemused expression on her face as she watched her brother’s Chihuahua try to wrestle her own pet Great Dane.

108. invisible

This word is from Latin.

adjective

not able to be seen due to lack of physical substance.

The shifting clouds made the stars invisible.

109. vocabulary

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

the whole amount of words used by a language, group or individual.

Naima believes studying for spelling bees is a great way to expand her vocabulary.

110. contestants

This word went from Latin to French.

plural noun

persons that participate in a competition.

The contestants on the game show were each hoping to win a million dollars.

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111. failure

This word is from a Latin-derived French word.

noun

lack of success.

Alia blamed her failure to win the election on her opponent’s promise to have free ice cream in the cafeteria every Friday.

112. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

beckon

This word is originally English.

verb

[Has near-homonyms: becken, archaic/dialect becking.]

to appear inviting : attract.

The giant doughnuts in the window of the bakery seemed to beckon to Deion as he walked by.

113. fortune

Originally Latin, this word passed through French before becoming English.

noun

good luck : success.

Cybelle had the fortune to be randomly selected twice in the prize drawing.

114. dimension

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

measurement in a single line (as length, height or width).

Height is one dimension of a cube.

115. caterpillar

This word came to English from Latin-derived French.

noun

the larva of a butterfly or moth that is long and looks like a worm with legs.

Shawna spotted a monarch caterpillar nibbling on a milkweed plant.

116. tightrope

The first part of this word is from an originally Scandinavian word that passed to English and the second part is originally English.

noun

a tightly stretched cord or wire on which acrobats perform.

The circus performer balanced easily on the tightrope.

117. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

applause

This word is from Latin.

noun

[Could be confused with applauds.]

approval publicly expressed (as by clapping hands).

The cast of the play bowed to enthusiastic applause from the audience.

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118. innocent

This word went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

free from legal guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing or failure.

The judge found Tamyra innocent of all charges.

119. digestive

This word went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

relating to the action or process of converting (food) into a form that can be absorbed.

Christian was interested to learn that the tongue is considered part of the digestive system.

120. settee

This word is from an originally English word.

noun

a medium-sized sofa with arms and a back.

Shobha decided that a red-upholstered settee would look perfect in the corner in her living room.

121. cupboard

This word is originally English.

noun

a closet with shelves to receive cups, dishes or food.

Sai looked in the cupboard for more potato chips but found none.

122. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

marooned

This word is from a word that went from Latin to Spanish.

verb

[Provide definition of this word so that speller will not confuse with color maroon, which has an alternate spelling m-a-r-r-o-o-n.]

put ashore on a desolate island or coast and left to one’s fate.

The pirates marooned Jack and Elizabeth on a small desert island.

123. daunted

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

verb

made (someone) afraid : intimidated.

The river’s treacherous rapids daunted even the experienced kayakers.

124. moisture

This word came to English from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

a small amount of liquid dispersed in air and appearing as fog or condensed as dew on a cool surface.

Charmaine wiped the moisture from her water glass before setting it on the nightstand.

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125. gymnastics

This word went from Greek to French.

plural noun

systematic physical exercises along with performance on apparatus (as rings or bars) that are designed to promote strength, flexibility, agility, coordination and body control.

Simone took up both gymnastics and cheerleading when she was 8 years old.

126. esteem

This word came to English from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

approval and respect often blended with great liking because of worthy qualities.

Elise earned the esteem of her boss because of her strong work ethic, reliability and attention to detail.

127. inlet

This word consists of two originally English elements.

noun

a narrow strip of water running into the land or between islands.

Reaching depths of 1,933 meters below sea level, one of the deepest fjords in the world is Skelton Inlet in Antarctica, which is filled with ice from a glacier.

128. microscope

This word consists of two originally Greek parts.

noun

an instrument used for looking at very small objects so that they appear larger.

Vince looked through the eyepiece of the microscope to view a droplet of pond water.

129. auction

This word is from Latin.

noun

a public sale of property to the person who pays the most.

Georgia bought a 19th-century desk and an art deco vase at an auction.

130. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

thicket

This word is originally English.

noun

[Could be confused with Thick-It (product).]

a dense growth of shrubbery or small trees.

Maisie planted some lilies next to the thicket of trees at the back of her property.

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131. mildew

This word is originally English.

noun

a whitish growth produced on organic matter and on plants by fungi.

Cindy didn’t see any mildew on the old book she found in her grandfather’s basement, but it did have a musty smell to it.

132. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

bushel

Originally Celtic in origin, this word passed through French to English.

noun

[Could be confused with proper name Bushell.]

a unit of dry measure used in the U.S.

Susan bought a bushel of apples to use in her famous homemade apple butter.

133. sediment

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

material or a mass of material deposited (as by water, wind or glaciers).

As the creek dried up, a thick layer of sediment was gradually exposed.

134. peculiar

This word is from a word that went from Latin to English.

adjective

distinctive.

When Shaila travels, she tries to learn the customs peculiar to each country.

135. clodhopper

This word consists of two originally English elements.

noun

a large heavy shoe.

After a long day of being on his feet, Liam was dismayed to realize that he had a hole in his left clodhopper.

136. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

quashed

This word went from Latin to French to English.

verb

[Could be confused with similarly pronounced synonymous cross-reference: squashed.]

put an end to.

The teacher quickly quashed the rebellion and worked to restore peace to the classroom.

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137. dandruff

This word probably consists of a part that is of unknown origin plus a part that is of Scandinavian origin.

noun

small white flakes that form on and shed from skin, especially the scalp.

Dandruff isn’t usually serious, but many people choose to treat it with special shampoos that can minimize the condition.

138. cutlery

This word came to English from Latin-derived French.

noun

tools used to cut, serve and eat food.

Bethany and David received a new set of cutlery as a wedding present.

139. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

gnarled

This word is probably from an originally English word.

adjective

[Could be confused with similarly pronounced synonymous cross-reference: knurled.]

warped or twisted with or as if with knots.

Rheumatoid arthritis caused the gnarled appearance of Grandmother’s fingers.

140. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

equestrian

The first part of this word is from an originally Latin word, and the second part is an English combining form.

adjective

[Has near-homonym: equestrienne.]

of, relating to or featuring horseback riding.

The artist was best known for her equestrian paintings.

141. bedraggled

This word is originally English.

adjective

left wet and limp by or as if by rain.

The children looked bedraggled after walking home from school in the rain.

142. paisley

This word is from a Scottish geographical name.

adjective

woven or printed with an elaborate design of curved abstract figures.

Mr. MacDonald gave his wife a blue and green paisley scarf.

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143. precursor

This word is from Latin.

noun

a forerunner.

Most people believe that the Turing Machine was a precursor to modern computers.

144. infuriating

This word is from Latin.

adjective

enraging, maddening.

Julia found her brother’s habit of repeating everything she said to be infuriating.

145. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

coronet

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin and then French.

noun

[Could be confused with cornet, cornett, cornette.]

a small crown.

The princess only wore her coronet when she was attending formal events.

146. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

pauper

This word is originally from Latin.

noun

[Has homonym: popper.]

a very poor person.

Reggie didn’t want to be a pauper, so he got a summer job at the local amusement park and opened a savings account.

147. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

suet

Originally Latin, this word went through Anglo-French before becoming English.

noun

[Could be confused with soot.]

the hard fat about the kidneys and loins in beef and mutton that when melted forms tallow.

Lucy added a mixture of suet and peanut butter to her bird feeder.

148. partridge

Originally Greek, this word went through Latin and French before becoming English.

noun

a medium-sized, short-winged game bird with short legs and neck.

A partridge fluttered out of the tall grass and startled Charity.

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149. algae

This word is from Latin.

plural noun

any of various single- and many-celled usually aquatic plant or plantlike organisms that are mostly photosynthetic.

Alexis wondered if an accumulation of algae was causing the water in her pool to look bright green.

150. marionette

This word is from a French word.

noun

a puppet moved by strings or by hand.

A marionette of Kanye West was the hit of the show.

151. varsity

This word is the alteration of a word that went from Latin to French to English.

noun

the main team representing a school or club in a sport or other competition.

Micah was proud to represent his school’s varsity team even though he was only a sophomore.

152. enchantment

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

the act or action of charming or bewitching.

Because of its breathtaking scenery, New Mexico earned the nickname the “Land of Enchantment.”

153. mystic

This word is from Greek.

noun

a follower of a spiritual way of life.

The mystic was known far and wide for his wisdom.

154. ravine

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

a small narrow steep-sided valley that is usually worn down by running water : gorge, gulch.

Sharla and Anton managed to cross the ravine using an old rope bridge.

155. perilous

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

adjective

full of or involving danger.

Violet covered her eyes frequently during the movie, unable to watch her favorite actor face one perilous trap after another.

156. rendition

This word went from Latin to French before becoming English.

noun

interpretation : performance.

Aunt Bertha’s rendition of “I Will Survive” was a little off key but very enthusiastic.

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157. avian

This word consists of a Latin part plus an English combining form.

adjective

of, relating to or characteristic of birds.

Missy is a biologist focusing on avian species.

158. engineering

This word is from a French word that then became English.

noun

the science that applies the properties of matter and energy to create machines and structures.

Terry is studying engineering and has a special interest in the branch concerned with the production of tools and machinery.

159. feckless

This word is originally English.

adjective

impractical and lazy or lacking ambition.

Chris was worried that his long periods of unemployment would make him look feckless when he applied for a job.

160. compatriots

This word was formed in French from Latin elements.

plural noun

close associates or colleagues.

Kendra gathered her compatriots to think up ways to boost sales at the school snack bar.

161. heredity

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

qualities and traits someone gets from ancestors.

Fiona thanks her heredity for her naturally bright red hair.

162. indifference

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

an attitude that something does not matter one way or another.

Jasmine regretted her earlier indifference to dinner plans when she realized her family had elected to eat at her least favorite restaurant.

163. opinionated

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

firmly sticking to one’s own view or belief : obstinate.

At the risk of sounding too opinionated, Bryce explained that The Hobbit was “without a doubt the best book of all time.”

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164. alliance

This word is from a Latin word that became French and then English.

noun

a union made in order to work toward common goals or interests.

The alliance between the reality show contestants helped them outlast their competition.

165. epithets

This word went from Greek to Latin.

plural noun

words or phrases meant as insults.

Jeremy was surprised to find that hurling epithets at his smart phone was not an effective way to increase its storage capacity.

166. javelin

This word is from a Celtic word that went through French before becoming English.

noun

a long spear used in a sport in which people see how far they can throw it.

Lucas threw the javelin only 20 feet on his first attempt.

167. implacable

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

adjective

not capable of being calmed or soothed.

Austin was nearly implacable after another toddler in the sandbox broke his favorite toy truck.

168. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

lyre

Originally Greek, this word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

[Has homonyms: liar, lier. Has similarly pronounced cross-reference: lyra.]

a stringed musical instrument used by the ancient Greeks.

The legendary Greek poet Arion is generally depicted holding a lyre in one hand and a plectrum, or pick, in the other.

169. austere

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin and then French before becoming English.

adjective

plainly simple and without decoration.

Martin’s living room was comfortable but austere, with Danish modern furniture and no pictures on the wall.

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170. cavalcade

This word was borrowed from French, which formed it from a word that went from Latin to Italian.

noun

a procession of riders or carriages.

The grand marshal of the Opening Day parade rode in a red convertible at the beginning of the cavalcade.

171. tenaciously

This word is made up of an originally Latin part plus English combining forms.

adverb

in a very determined manner : persistently.

On the first day of school, Sybil vowed to tenaciously pursue her goal of being named to her school’s honor roll.

172. Icarus

This word went from Greek to Latin.

noun

a figure in Greek mythology who flies away from imprisonment using artificial wings but falls when he flies too close to the sun, melting the wax of his wings.

The character of Icarus is often used as a metaphor for striving too hard and consequently failing.

173. scrumptiously

This word is probably an alteration of a word that went from Latin to French, plus English combining forms.

adverb

in a delightful or excellent manner.

Phoenix thanked his mom for the scrumptiously prepared meal in honor of the A+ on his pre-algebra test.

174. burglarious

This word is from an originally Germanic word that went from Latin to Anglo-French to English.

adjective

of or suitable for the use of one who breaks into a building illegally especially with intent to steal.

The prosecutor asked the defendant to explain why he had burglarious tools in his automobile.

175. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

thaumaturge

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin and then French.

noun

[Has differently pronounced variant: thaumaturg.]

a person who performs miracles : a magician.

Before Grant had even mastered his first card trick, he had picked out a stage name to use in his magic act: Thor the Thaumaturge.

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176. vulpine

This word is from Latin.

adjective

marked by slyness or predatoriness : crafty.

Jon detected a certain vulpine expression on the face of his chess opponent, so he started looking for a trap.

177. Honolulu

This word is a United States geographical name.

geographical entry

the most populous city, port and capital of Hawaii.

Naomi and Konrad spent part of their honeymoon in Honolulu.

178. neutron

This word probably consists of a part that went from Latin to French plus a part that is from an originally Greek part.

noun

an elementary particle that has no electrical charge and that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton.

The neutron together with the proton make up the nucleus of an atom.

179. catastrophic

This word consists of an originally Greek part plus an English combining form.

adjective

of, relating to, resembling or resulting in disaster.

It took months to repair the damage left in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake.

180. mahogany

This word is of unknown origin.

noun

the durable yellowish brown to reddish brown wood of a West Indian tree that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work.

Kate’s bedroom furniture is made of solid mahogany.

181. avalanche

This word is from a French word.

noun

a large mass of snow, ice, dirt, rock or other material sliding swiftly down a mountainside.

The movie’s hero avoided getting caught in the avalanche by totally realistically grabbing onto the landing skids of a nearby helicopter.

182. perpetrator

This word is from Latin.

noun

one that commits an offense or crime.

After a long investigation, police finally identified the perpetrator of the robbery.

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183. insulin

The first part of this word is from an originally Latin word, and the second part is an English combining form.

noun

a protein pancreatic hormone that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and which is used in the treatment and control of diabetes.

Marty gives himself an injection of insulin every morning to help control his diabetes.

184. Mylar

This word is from a trademark.

trademark

– used for a polyester film.

Sheldon kept all of his collectible comic books inside protective Mylar bags.

185. physicists

Originally Greek, this word passed from Latin to French to English.

plural noun

specialists in the science of matter and energy and their interactions.

Inspired by the work of Chien-Shiung Wu, Lene Hau and other women physicists, Renee decided she wanted to be a scientist when she grew up.

186. Stilton

This word is from an English geographic name.

noun

a blue-veined cheese with wrinkled rind made of whole cows’ milk enriched with cream and usually aged two years.

Paige served a cheese course featuring Stilton with walnuts and crackers.

187. conflagration

This word is from Latin.

noun

a large disastrous fire involving many buildings.

Sixty fire trucks were called in to battle the conflagration.

188. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

habanero

This word is from Spanish.

noun

[Could be confused with habanera.]

a very hot roundish chili pepper that is usually orange when mature.

The habanero is often used for seasoning in Caribbean cuisine.

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189. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

allegiance

This word is from a French word that then became English.

noun

[Has homonym: plural noun allegiants.]

devotion or loyalty especially to a person, group or cause.

The knight swore his allegiance to the new queen.

190. legitimately

This word is from Latin.

adverb

according to law or rules.

Mabel owned her car legitimately, even though she couldn’t find her title or registration.

191. pilgrimages

This word is from Latin-derived French.

plural noun

trips taken to visit a place of historic or sentimental interest or to participate in a specific event or for a definite purpose.

Over the years, Meena made several pilgrimages to Europe to experience where her relatives were originally from.

192. concussion

This word is from Latin.

noun

a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function and sometimes marked by permanent damage.

After Amy slipped on ice and banged her head, her doctor checked to make sure she hadn’t suffered a concussion.

193. vengeance

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

infliction of punishment in return for an injury or offense.

Chris swore vengeance after the prank his brother played on him.

194. unscrupulous

This word consists of an originally English element plus an originally Latin element.

adjective

lacking or exhibiting a lack of moral principles.

The king’s adviser was an unscrupulous man who only wanted power for himself.

195. overweening

This word is originally English.

adjective

excessive, exaggerated, unrestrained.

Liam felt an overweening pride in every one of his amateur paintings.

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196. inconceivable

This word consists of three originally Latin parts.

adjective

falling outside the limit of what can be comprehended, accepted as true or tolerated.

It is inconceivable to Wallace that he would lose in a game of wits.

197. semaphore

This word is made up of Greek-derived elements and may have been formed first in French.

noun

a system of visual signaling (as between ships) in which the sender holds a flag in each hand and moves his or her arms to different positions according to a code alphabet.

Mr. Jackson taught the Eagle Scouts semaphore on the camp-out by having them climb hills and then signaling them the day’s dinner menu.

198. enervating

This word is from Latin.

verb

lessening the nerve, vitality or strength of.

Zara found that working in the hot sun all day was enervating her.

199. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

Jacobean

The first part of this word is from a Latinized English name and the second is an English combining form.

adjective

[Has homonym: Jacobian. Could be confused with Jacobin.]

of or relating to James I of England, his reign or his times.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a Jacobean drama written in 1606.

200. silhouetted

This word is from a French name.

verb

projected upon a background like an outline of a person or thing.

With their leaves gone, the bare trees silhouetted against the sky.

201. recusant

This word is from Latin.

adjective

refusing to submit to authority.

Lest she lose phone privileges for not obeying her parents, Tammy decided to change her recusant ways.

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202. potentialities

This word is from Latin.

plural noun

things that have a possibility for changing or developing into a state of reality.

Simone’s science class discussed the potentialities inherent in modern technology.

203. gesticulations

This word is from Latin.

plural noun

expressive motions of the body or limbs.

Marta’s wild gesticulations gave away her excitement as she retold the story.

204. Patagonia

This word is a South American geographical name.

geographical entry

a region of South America in southern Argentina and southern Chile that is a barren, broad, level, elevated area between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Patagonia has an area of about 260,000 square miles and is sometimes considered to include the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

205. interminableness

The first part of this word is from Latin and the second is an English combining form.

noun

the state or quality of having no end or being drawn out to the point of boredom.

The interminableness of Essie’s graduation ceremony was mostly due to the keynote speaker’s hour-long summary of his successes.

206. prestidigitation

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

the practice of magic or trickery usually involving manual dexterity.

Corey’s display of prestidigitation dazzled the class.

207. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

constabulary

This word is from Latin.

noun

[Has near-homonym: constablery.]

a body of police officers (as of a particular town, district, country).

The local constabulary was out in force to keep the peace at the Halloween celebration.

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208. pugnacious

This word is from Latin.

adjective

having an assertive, hostile or combative nature : aggressive.

The safari leader told the group about his encounter with a pugnacious bushpig.

209. eucalyptus

This word is from originally Greek parts.

noun

an evergreen tree or shrub mostly native to western Australia that provides wood, oil and other products.

The eucalyptus is the koala’s main source of food.

210. moiety

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

one of the portions into which something is divided : component, part.

The whistle-blower received a moiety of the large fine imposed upon his employer for supplying faulty engine parts to the military.

211. Lilliput

This word is from an imaginary geographical name.

adjective

extremely small.

Sally’s mother planted some bright, Lilliput zinnias in her garden.

212. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

pertinacity

This word is from Latin-derived French.

noun

[Could be confused with similarly pronounced obsolete variant: pertinacy.]

the quality or state of being stubbornly unshakable.

The athlete was known for his pertinacity in the face of injuries.

213. castellated

The first part of this word is from Latin and the second is an English combining form.

adjective

built or formed like a castle.

Elon’s castellated sand sculpture took first place in the competition.

214. Hebrides

This word is a Scottish geographical name.

geographical entry

islands of western Scotland in the Atlantic.

Tyler was stunned by the rugged beauty of the landscape in the Hebrides.

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215. nautilus

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin.

noun

any of several cephalopod mollusks of the southern Pacific and Indian Oceans with a spiral chambered shell that is pearly on the inside.

Frank keeps the polished shell of a nautilus on his bookcase.

216. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

phosphine

This word consists of an originally Greek part plus an originally Latin part.

noun

[Has homonym: phosphene. Has near-homonym not in Webster’s Unabridged: phosphane.]

a colorless very poisonous gaseous compound that may ignite spontaneously when mixed with air or oxygen and that is a weaker base than ammonia.

Phosphine is commonly used to destroy pests in stored grain.

217. rheumatic

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin and then French.

adjective

of or relating to any of numerous conditions characterized by inflammation or pain in muscles, joints or fibrous tissue.

Benjamin Franklin, Henry VIII and my uncle Tom all suffered from gout, a rheumatic disease.

218. The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

outré

This word is from Latin-derived French.

adjective

[Has homonym: archaic verb outray.]

not conforming to conventional behavior, custom or style : bizarre, extravagant.

The singer’s outré ensembles turned heads at every awards ceremony.

219. phrenologists

This word was formed from three originally Greek parts.

plural noun

those versed in the study of the shape of the skull based on the belief that it indicates a person’s mental faculties and character.

In her lecture on pseudoscientific fads, Professor Granthorne explained that phrenologists both observed and felt a person’s skull to determine his or her psychological attributes.

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220. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

malacca

This word is from a Malayan geographical name.

noun

[Could be confused with geographical entry Melaka/Malacca.]

the often spotted, slender woody stem of an Asian rattan palm used especially for walking sticks and umbrella handles.

David’s walking stick is made from a single stem of malacca.

221. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

chevalier

This word is from Latin-derived French.

noun

[Could be confused with chevalet.]

a member of the lowest rank of a French order of merit.

Henri has the honor of being a chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters in France.

222. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

ague

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English.

noun

[Could be confused with French word aigu.]

a fever resembling malaria marked by sudden attacks of chills, fever and sweating that recur at regular intervals.

Eddie tried to sleep through his spells of ague but found doing so nearly impossible.

223. The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

hors de combat

This word is from French.

adjective

out of action : in a disabled condition.

The soldier was hors de combat after an injury in a previous battle.

224. netsuke

This word is from Japanese.

noun

a small object carved in wood or ivory or made of metal used by the Japanese as a toggle to fasten a small pouch or purse to the kimono sash.

Hiroko cherishes her grandmother’s ivory netsuke.

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225. The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

a posteriori

This word is from Latin.

adjective

of or relating to what cannot be known except from experience : proved by induction from facts obtained by observation or experiment.

Later, Margery realized the a posteriori truth that a cat coated in peanut butter is hard to catch.

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Words 226–375 do not appear on Scripps National Spelling Bee Study Word Lists

There is no rule stating that you must proceed word-for-word from this list. You may skip a word if you sense that the word may present a problem at your bee.

226. tiptoe

This word is originally English.

noun

the end of one of the digits of a foot.

Misty danced on tiptoe across the wooden floor.

227. spry

This word is perhaps of Scandinavian origin.

adjective

chipper : nimble : brisk.

Mr. Larsen, who is quite spry for a man in his nineties, walks over a mile each day.

228. chopstick

The first part of this word is from a word that passed from Chinese to English and the second part is originally English.

noun

a slender stick held between the thumb and fingers used for picking up food and eating.

Fang dropped a chopstick on the ground while struggling to eat her noodles.

229. blubber

This word is from English, probably of imitative origin.

verb

to weep noisily and excessively : sob.

Crystal couldn’t help but blubber at the sappy but satisfying ending of the romantic comedy.

230. townsfolk

This word is made up of two originally English parts.

plural noun

the citizens or inhabitants of a particular city.

The townsfolk gathered in the town square to hear the mayor’s announcement.

231. ringlet

The first part of this word is originally English, and the second part came to English from Latin-derived French.

noun

curl; especially : a long curl of hair.

Rachelle tied her hair in a bun, but she left one ringlet to hang down her neck.

Additional Words

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232. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

battery

This word is from a French word.

noun

[Has homonym: batterie.]

a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current, or a single voltaic cell.

Before his run, Brent changed the battery in his fitness tracker to make sure it counted all his steps.

233. warbler

This word is from an originally Germanic word that became French before becoming English.

noun

any of numerous small brightly colored American songbirds that have a song which is generally weak and unmusical.

Tess was justifiably offended when the concert reviewer likened her singing to that of a warbler.

234. closure

This word went from Latin through French to English.

noun

a means of filling a space or gap especially by sealing it or of closing an opening (as in a garment or luggage).

Mimi prefers jeans with a button-fly closure as opposed to a zipper.

235. settlers

This word is originally English.

plural noun

those who first move into a new region : colonists.

The original settlers of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, called it “Losantiville.”

236. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

beaker

This word went from Old Saxon to Old Norse to English.

noun

[Could be confused with proper name Beeker.]

a deep openmouthed thin vessel that often has a projecting lip for pouring and is used especially by chemists and pharmacists.

As Gilberto reached for his textbook, he accidentally knocked an acid-filled beaker off the lab table.

237. steamroller

This word is originally English.

noun

a road roller driven by water vapor kept under pressure.

The cartoon character was flattened by a huge steamroller.

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238. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

tollbooth or tolbooth

This word is originally English.

noun

a simple building where taxes or fees are paid for some liberty or privilege.

Johnna drove past the tollbooth and waved at the officer working there every morning on her way to work.

239. compute

This word is from Latin.

verb

to make sense.

When Austin said he doesn’t like dessert, Tilda responded in her best robot voice, “Does not compute.”

240. gallons

This word is from a French word that then became English.

plural noun

an extremely large quantity or number.

During the heavy storm, Larissa’s basement flooded with gallons of rainwater.

241. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

spelt

Originally Germanic, this word passed through Latin before entering English.

noun

[Could be confused with verbs spelled, spilled/spilt. Could be confused with similarly pronounced synonymous cross-reference speltz.]

the grain of an ancient wheat with long spikelets containing two light red flattened grains.

Rudy made pancakes from spelt and served them with a berry compote for breakfast.

242. trombone

This word is from a Germanic element that went into Italian before entering English.

noun

a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns that end in a bell and having a movable slide for varying musical sounds.

Gregory plays the trombone in the marching band.

243. prisoner

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

a person held under arrest or in jail.

For good behavior at the penitentiary, the prisoner was released after serving one-third of his sentence.

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244. cringing

This word is originally English.

adjective

that shrinks in fear or servility.

At the sight of the bear in the distance, the cringing hikers gathered their courage and backed slowly toward their car.

245. extract

This word is from Latin.

noun

a solution in alcohol of flavor and odor constituents (as from an aromatic plant).

The cookie dough recipe called for one teaspoon of vanilla extract.

246. sprocket

This word is of unknown origin.

noun

a tooth or projection (as on the periphery of a wheel) shaped so as to engage with a chain.

Elle placed a drop of oil on a sprocket on her bike so the chain would move more freely.

247. peppermint

This word is made up of two originally English parts.

noun

a sharp and strong smelling plant with dark green leaves and whorls of small pink flowers in spikes.

Mariana was excited to grow peppermint in her garden so she could put the leaves in her tea.

248. captured

This word is from a Latin word that passed through French.

verb

seized and occupied.

The queen’s troops captured the city after a three-day battle.

249. garland

This word is from an originally Germanic word that became French before becoming English.

noun

a wreath or festoon of leaves or flowers to be worn on the head or used to decorate an object.

Clementine solemnly placed a garland of daisies on the statue’s head while the choir sang the school song.

250. winced

This word is from an originally Germanic word that became French before becoming English.

verb

shrank back involuntarily.

Britton winced at the sun’s glare.

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251. select

This word is from Latin.

verb

to choose something from a number or group.

Mrs. Fielding told Ruby she could select one candy from the bowl at the reception desk.

252. feature

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

a marked element of something : something that is especially prominent.

Keith thinks his salt-and-pepper hair is his best feature.

253. couplet

This word is from Latin-derived French.

noun

two successive lines of verse usually having some unity greater than that of mere contiguity (as that provided by rhyming).

George struggled to find a word that rhymed with “orange” for the second line of his couplet.

254. juncture

This word is from Latin.

noun

a joint : a seam.

Welding the two steel plates together created a raised ridge at their juncture.

255. scuffle

This word is probably of Scandinavian origin.

noun

a rough haphazard struggle with scrambling and confusion.

After a brief scuffle, Keneesha emerged victorious with the bride’s bouquet.

256. clarify

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

verb

explain in a manner that is without obscurity or ambiguity : make understandable.

When Rooney answered the question with the response “President Roosevelt,” Ms. Kessler asked her to clarify whether she meant Theodore or Franklin.

257. hostage

This word went from Latin through French before becoming English.

noun

a person in a state of being given or kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement, demand or treaty.

The prisoners held a guard as a hostage in an attempt to gain their demands.

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258. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

treasure

This word went from Greek to Latin to French to English.

noun

[Has near-homonym: tressure.]

something of great worth or value.

The museum’s greatest treasure is a recently unearthed ancient Greek statue.

259. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

pigeon

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

[Has homonym: pidgin.]

a bird having a stout body with rather short legs and smooth and compact plumage.

A pigeon fluttered about the eaves of the old barn.

260. cargo

This word went from Latin to Spanish.

noun

the lading or freight of a ship, airplane or vehicle.

The plane’s departure was delayed due to lack of workers to load the cargo.

261. revolve

This word went from Latin to English.

verb

to move in a curved path around a center or axis.

Mr. Anderson hung a mobile in his classroom that showed how the planets revolve around the sun.

262. position

This word is from Latin.

noun

any of the postures of the feet and arms on which all steps and movements of classical ballet are based.

Victoria instructed her ballet students to assume the first position.

263. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

nettle

This word is from English.

noun

[Could be confused with niddle, meddle, metal, medal, nattle.]

any of numerous prickly or stinging plants of the genus Urtica.

The nettle, which features stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, has long been used as a source of medicine.

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264. federal

This word is from a Latin part plus an English combining form.

adjective

of, relating to or derived from a compact between states which by the terms of the compact surrender their general sovereignty and consolidate into a new state.

In the United States, some issues are handled by the federal government while others are decided by state governments.

265. destitute

This word went from Latin to English.

adjective

lacking possessions and resources; especially : lacking the necessaries of life.

Last weekend’s tornado left many families destitute.

266. rectangle

This word is from Latin.

noun

a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles.

A square is a rectangle with sides that are all equal in length.

267. hemlock

This word is originally English.

noun

any of several poisonous herbs having finely cut leaves and small white flowers.

Poisoning can occur when a victim confuses the root of the hemlock with wild parsnip or its leaves with parsley.

268. warden

This word is from an originally Germanic word that became French before becoming English.

noun

one having care or charge of something : guardian, keeper.

The warden of the nature center works to preserve and nurture local plant life.

269. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

surround

This word is from a Latin word that became French and then English.

verb

[Could be confused with sewround.]

be situated or found in all or various directions from a fixed point or in a ring about.

Many cottages surround the lake.

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270. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

pallor

This word is from Latin.

noun

[Has homonym: Pallar.]

abnormal paleness.

The pallor of Julian’s stage makeup gave his girlfriend a fright.

271. intellect

This word is from Latin.

noun

the power or faculty of knowing.

Although Tara is very pretty, she is much more proud of her intellect than her looks.

272. sensitive

This word went from Latin to French to English.

adjective

having a capacity of being easily affected or moved.

Because her eyes are extremely sensitive to light, Amy never leaves the house without her sunglasses.

273. yearling

This word is originally English.

noun

one that is a year old; especially : an animal one year old or in the second year of its age.

Although its small size made Kara think the cow was a yearling, it was actually closer to three years old.

274. unfurl

This word is made up of an English combining form plus a Latin word that became French and then English.

verb

release or open out (as a sail or flag) from a rolled-up state.

Kendra embroidered her school’s motto on the new flag she will unfurl during tomorrow’s assembly.

275. monitor

This word is from Latin.

noun

an instrument that measures (as vital signs during surgery) or gives warning (as of excessive radiation).

Laura wears a heart rate monitor on her wrist when running in order to precisely control the intensity of her exercise.

276. plumage

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

the entire clothing of feathers of a bird.

The plumage of the male peacock is more colorful than that of the female.

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277. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

tawny

This word went from French to English.

adjective

[Could be confused with synonymous cross-reference tenne/tenney/tenny.]

of a brownish orange to light brown color.

There is a classic children’s story about a tawny scrawny lion who loves carrot stew.

278. demolish

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

verb

to pull or tear down (something, such as a building) : raze.

The town will demolish the crumbling apartments to make room for a playground.

279. frustrated

This word is from Latin.

adjective

filled with a deep chronic sense of insecurity, discouragement and dissatisfaction.

Some workers feel frustrated because they do not have the opportunity to use their talents in their jobs.

280. bereft

This word is from English.

adjective

deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something.

Scott feels that the summer blockbuster season at the movie theater offers only films that are bereft of any true meaning.

281. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

eon or aeon

This word came from a Latin word that borrowed it from Greek.

noun

an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time.

Carla estimated that she had been waiting for the bus for at least an eon.

282. sectional

This word consists of an originally Latin word plus an English combining form.

adjective

made up of sections to be added or reduced at will.

Clarence tried configuring his sectional sofa a few different ways before deciding.

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283. oddity

The first part of this word is from Norse and the second part is an either Latin or French combining form.

noun

something unique or curiously unusual.

Sofia’s mother liked to remark that a man who could cook dinner for himself was an oddity.

284. combination

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

a series of events or results occurring in an ordered sequence.

Delia found that the most difficult part about going back to school each fall was remembering the combination for her new lock.

285. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

symbol

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin.

noun

[Has homonym: cymbal.]

a visible sign of something (such as a concept or an institution) that is invisible.

The image of a dove is often used as a symbol of peace.

286. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

poplar

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

[Could be confused with popular, popper/pauper.]

a tall North American tree with large greenish yellow flowers and soft white wood that is often used for cabinetwork.

A poplar is the state tree of Kentucky.

287. rivet

This word is from a French word that then became English.

noun

a headed pin or bolt used for uniting two or more pieces.

A rivet in Esther’s jeans scratched one of her family’s dining room chairs.

288. codify

Both parts of this word went from Latin to French to English.

verb

to arrange in systematic order.

Before they started to recruit members, the founders of the new Maplewood Junior High Spelling Beehive decided to codify their club rules.

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289. identical

This word is from a Latin part plus an English combining form.

adjective

showing exact likeness.

During the baking competition, Dean made sure the decoration on each of his cookies was identical.

290. conducive

This word is from Latin.

adjective

tending to promote.

Layla believed a quiet environment was conducive to good studying.

291. distribute

This word went from Latin to English.

verb

to divide among several or many : deal out.

Mr. Paxton asked for a volunteer to distribute the worksheets to the class.

292. excitement

This word is from two originally Latin parts that both passed through French before becoming English.

noun

the act of stirring to feeling or causing strong emotion.

The excitement over the reopening of the ice cream shop spread throughout the town.

293. pedestal

This word is from a word that went from Italian to French.

noun

the base of an upright structure (as a statue, vase, lamp).

Because tourists did so much damage to the statue in the town square, it was moved to a much higher pedestal.

294. literate

This word is from Latin.

adjective

able to read and write.

The government’s goal for all adult citizens to be literate in 20 years needs a strategic plan.

295. ferocity

This word went from Latin to French to English.

noun

savage wildness or fury.

Ellen was shocked by the ferocity with which her tiny puppy growled at the Great Dane.

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296. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

sizable or sizeable

The first part of this word is originally French and the second part is originally Latin.

adjective

fairly large.

As Margery watched her grandpa remove the sizable cake from the oven, her stomach growled loudly in anticipation.

297. lavish

Originally from a Latin word, this word came through French before becoming English.

adjective

characterized by profusion or excess.

Although the lavish buffet at her “Sweet 16” party included lobster, caviar and truffles, London opted to eat a grilled cheese sandwich instead.

298. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

expansive

This word is from an originally Latin word plus an English combining form.

adjective

[Could be confused with expensive.]

having considerable extent.

The lecturers were directed to choose expansive topics of broad interest.

299. panama

This word came from possibly Tupi to a Central American geographical name.

noun

a fine lightweight hat of natural-colored straw hand-plaited of narrow strips from the young leaves of the jipijapa.

While on vacation, Mr. Tulley bought a handwoven panama to shade his head.

300. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

warrant

This word is from an originally Germanic word that became French before becoming English.

noun

[Could be confused with warren.]

a formal written document authorizing an officer to make an arrest, a seizure or a search.

Police officers, armed with a search warrant, entered the suspect’s apartment and seized the stolen computers.

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301. equation

This word is from a word that went from Latin to English.

noun

a mathematical or chemical statement of equivalence.

Mrs. Drake asked her students to write an equation that corresponded to the story problem.

302. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

textural

This word is from Latin.

adjective

[Could be confused with textual.]

of, relating to, or marked by the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something.

For a baby shower gift, Meredith purchased a board book that had many entertaining textural differences.

303. flaxen

This word is originally English.

adjective

resembling a flowering plant that is cultivated for its fibers and seeds especially in being of pale soft strawy color — used chiefly of the hair.

Marion brushed her flaxen hair and tied it back with a ribbon.

304. raspingly

This word is from an originally Germanic word that went through French to English plus English combining forms.

adverb

in a grating harsh manner.

“Don’t try me,” Mr. Wilson said in a raspingly mean voice.

305. liberation

This word is from Latin.

noun

the act of freeing from control or domination by a foreign power or the state of being freed from such power.

The liberation of the city from enemy control was an occasion of great celebration.

306. exposure

This word consists of a part that went from Latin to French to English plus an English combining form.

noun

a condition or an instance of being subjected to an experience or influence.

Kingston decided to travel abroad because he wanted to gain exposure to foreign languages and cultures.

307. recital

This word is from Latin.

noun

an exhibition concert given by music pupils.

After the recital, Mrs. Lee hosted a reception.

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308. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

assess

This word is from Latin.

verb

[Could be confused with excess, access.]

determine the rate or amount of.

Jason and Robin assess damages as part of their job with the insurance company.

309. buzzard

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

noun

any of various birds of prey such as a turkey vulture or a condor.

The buzzard is a common figure in cartoons, making its appearance when other characters are sick or dying.

310. coordinate

This word is from Latin.

verb

bring into a common action, movement or condition.

Nicole will coordinate the efforts of the various committees that are working on the homecoming dance.

311. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

riotous

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English plus an English combining form.

adjective

[Has obsolete homonym: riotise.]

abundant, exuberant, profuse.

Even though she didn’t mean it to be funny, Nikita’s story of dropping her ice cream in the street was met with riotous laughter from her friends.

312. verdant

Originally Latin, this word went through French before becoming English.

adjective

green in tint or color.

Kory wants to dye her hair a shade as verdant as the Joker’s.

313. economist

This word is from Greek.

noun

a specialist in or student of the social science that studies the production, distribution and consumption of commodities.

Adam Smith was the most influential economist of the 18th century.

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314. predator

This word is from Latin.

noun

an animal that preys on or devours other animals for its food.

An insect may be of value because it is a predator of another insect that is a pest to humans.

315. factorial

This word is from Latin.

adjective

involving or based on replication with a variable introduced in each replicate.

A factorial design is the most common way to frame a study of two or more variables perceived to be independent.

316. tabulation

This word consists of an originally Latin part plus two English combining forms.

noun

a result of putting data into summary form.

Jackie used the tabulation of accounts owed data to create client invoices.

317. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

illusive

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English plus an English combining form.

adjective

[Has homonym: elusive.]

deceptive : unreal.

Graham found the illusive quality of the heavy fog eerie and nightmarish.

318. articulate

This word is from Latin.

verb

become united or connected by means of a joint.

The jaw and the skull articulate by means of the temporomandibular joint.

319. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

immersed

This word is from Latin.

adjective

[Could be confused with immerse, emersed.]

completely engrossed.

Immersed in his reading assignment, Nathan was unaware that a thunderstorm was raging outside.

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320. appropriate

This word is from Latin.

adjective

specially suitable : fit : proper.

Celia’s idea of appropriate attire for school is not in line with the school’s dress code.

321. commonwealth

The first part of this word was originally Latin and went through French before becoming English, and the second part is originally English.

noun

a state in which the supreme power resides with the people and their representatives : a republic.

Oliver Cromwell declared England a commonwealth in 1649.

322. obligation

This word is from Latin.

noun

something that one is bound to do : an imperative duty.

Because of Ciara’s past assistance, Craig felt an obligation to return the favor.

323. technicality

The first part of this word is originally Greek, and the second part is an English combining form.

noun

a detail that has meaning only for the specialist.

Because of a legal technicality, a mistrial was declared and the defendant had to be retried for the offense.

324. veneer

This word is from an originally German word.

noun

a thin sheet of wood cut or sawed from a log and adapted for adherence to a smooth surface (as of wood).

The maple veneer really spruced up the old pine table.

325. nutrient

This word is from Latin.

adjective

providing nourishment : promoting growth.

Researchers have moved well beyond the days of thinking that a single nutrient substance can solve all our health problems.

326. accordingly

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English plus English combining forms.

adverb

in conformity with a given set of circumstances : correspondingly.

Jane checked the weather for her trip and packed her suitcase accordingly.

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327. replica

This word went from Latin to Italian.

noun

a copy of an original work of art.

Katie bought a replica of Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” to hang in her dining room.

328. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

yodel or jodel

This word is originally German.

verb

to sing in a manner common among the Swiss and Tyrolean mountaineers by suddenly changing from chest voice to head voice.

Isaac was determined to learn to yodel so that he could audition for America’s Got Talent.

329. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

thesis

This word went from Greek to Latin.

noun

[Could be confused with plural theses.]

a claim put forward : statement, proposition.

Brianna wrote an article for the school newspaper in support of her thesis that more healthy options should be offered in the cafeteria.

330. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

antenna

This word is from Latin.

noun

[Could be confused with plural antennae.]

one of the paired movable appendages on the head of certain arthropods, such as crustaceans and insects.

Ben’s favorite plush bee has one bent antenna on its head.

331. consumption

This word is from Latin.

noun

the wasting, using up or wearing away of something.

The chart showed the relationship between consumption of natural resources and industrialization.

332. presumably

This word is a word that was formed in French from Latin parts plus an English combining form.

adverb

by reasonable assumption : probably.

Richard is presumably going to the holiday party this year.

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333. cavernous

This word is from Latin.

adjective

constituting or suggesting a large underground chamber.

The thick grove of vine-covered trees threw a cavernous gloom over the area.

334. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

adherence

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

[Has homonym: adherents.]

the act, action, or quality of holding, following, or maintaining loyalty steadily and consistently.

Jack’s adherence to his beliefs won him great admiration.

335. contemptible

This word is from Latin.

adjective

meriting scorn and condemnation as paltry, mean or vile.

Though most people viewed the accused man as a contemptible person, Sister Helen pitied him and reached out to him.

336. municipality

This word went from Latin to French.

noun

a primarily urban political unit (as a town or city) having corporate status and usually powers of self-government.

The municipality passed a new recycling collection law.

337. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

flammable

This word is from Latin.

adjective

[Could be confused with flambeau.]

capable of being easily ignited and of burning with extreme rapidity.

Gasoline and kerosene are both flammable, but gasoline is more explosive.

338. indecisively

This word is from originally Latin parts plus English combining forms.

adverb

indistinctly : vaguely.

Because he was unsure, Tim gave his answer indecisively.

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339. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

plaque or placque

This word is from a word that passed from Dutch to French.

noun

an inscribed metal tablet that identifies a site or commemorates an individual or event.

The plaque on the front of the local dog shelter told visitors that the building was listed as a historic site.

340. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

gnu

This word is from Bushman.

noun

[Has homonyms: new, knew and nu.]

a large African antelope with a head like an ox, short mane, long tail and horns that curve downward and outward and then up.

The brindled gnu, sometimes called a “wildebeest,” is one of the fastest animals in southern Africa.

341. amendment

The first part of this word is from an originally Latin word, and the second part is an English combining form.

noun

the process of changing or modifying in any way for the better (as a motion, bill, act or constitution).

A well-drafted constitution will provide for its own amendment.

342. detestable

This word is from Latin.

adjective

very unpleasant : deserving repulsion or disgusted loathing.

When traveling internationally, it’s important to remember that manners that may seem detestable are sometimes the result of cultural differences.

343. component

This word is from Latin.

noun

a constituent part : ingredient.

Katy believes the most important component of her famous soup is the homemade broth.

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344. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

aplomb

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

[Could be confused with aplome.]

complete confidence or assurance in oneself : poise.

A seasoned public relations officer, Karen handles difficult situations with aplomb.

345. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

maudlin

This word is originally from a biblical Greek name that went through Latin and French before becoming English.

adjective

[Could be confused with madeleine, modeling.]

tearfully or weakly emotional : effusively sentimental.

Brian allowed himself to become maudlin only on St. Patrick’s Day.

346. reminisce

This word went from Latin through French.

verb

indulge in the practice of thinking about past experiences.

Grandpa and Grandma reminisce about their youth whenever they look at old photographs.

347. Say to the speller “This word has a near-homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

poutine

This word is from Canadian French.

noun

[Has near-homonym: poteen/potteen/potheen.]

a dish of French fries covered with brown gravy and cheese curds.

On their recent trip to Montreal, Nicolette and Samuel sampled poutine for the first time.

348. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

intestate

This word is from Latin.

adjective

[Could be confused with interstate.]

having made no valid will.

Everyone, especially her children, was shocked to learn that Mrs. Rockwell had died intestate.

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349. Victrola

This word is a trademark.

trademark

— used for an instrument for reproducing sounds by means of the vibration of a stylus or needle following a spiral groove on a revolving circular disc or cylinder.

On special occasions, Sampson gets out his grandfather’s Victrola and plays some music.

350. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

Austenite

This word is formed from an English name plus a combining form that went from Latin to French to English.

noun

[Has homonym: austinite.]

an authority on or devotee of an early 19th-century English author or her writings.

Lydia was a devoted Austenite who had read Pride and Prejudice at least a hundred times.

351. predominant

This word came from French, which formed it from Latin.

adjective

having superior strength, influence, authority or position.

Fir is one of the predominant tree species in the rain forests of the northwestern United States.

352. emoji

This word is from Japanese.

noun

any of various small images, symbols or icons used in text fields in electronic communication (as in text messages, e-mail and social media) to express the emotional attitude of the writer, convey information succinctly or communicate a message playfully without using words.

Annie ended every text to her best friend with a heart emoji.

353. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

higgledy-piggledy or higglety-pigglety

This word is of unknown origin.

adverb

in confusion : without order.

The books in Frank’s library were shoved higgledy-piggledy into every nook and cranny.

354. solarium

This word is from Latin.

noun

a glass-enclosed porch or living room.

Lacey moved her sunlight-starved fern from her bedroom to the solarium.

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355. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

kerosene or kerosine

This word is from an originally Greek part plus an originally English part.

noun

a flammable hydrocarbon oil usually obtained by distillation of petroleum and used as a fuel, solvent and thinner.

Maya filled the lantern with kerosene in preparation for her camping trip.

356. Zamboni

This word is a trademark.

trademark

— used for an ice resurfacing machine.

The crowd cheered when Michelle drove the Zamboni onto the ice during intermission.

357. dermatology

Both parts of this word are originally Greek.

noun

a branch of science that is concerned with the skin, its structure, functions and diseases.

The cosmetics company employed only individuals knowledgeable in dermatology to assist in its laboratory.

358. statuesque

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to English plus a French-derived English combining form.

adjective

having a massive dignity or impressiveness : majestic.

A statuesque sculpture stood in the town square.

359. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

woebegone

This word is originally English.

adjective

[Could be confused with fictional Lake Wobegon.]

exhibiting a condition of suffering, great distress, sorrow or misery.

The children’s woebegone faces began to brighten as they saw the cake and ice cream.

360. reprehensible

This word is from a word that went from Latin to English.

adjective

deserving rebuke or reprimand : censurable.

Although Daniel seemed pleasant enough, he was apparently hiding very reprehensible feelings.

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361. negativism

This word consists of an originally Latin part plus an English combining form.

noun

an attitude of mind marked by regular denial of or skepticism about nearly everything affirmed by others : habitual skepticism.

Lina was concerned that Joe’s negativism was self-defeating.

362. Say to the speller “This word has a homonym.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

populace

Originally Latin, this word passed from Italian to French.

noun

[Has homonym and near-homonym: populous, populist.]

the total number of people or inhabitants.

When the state tried to change the motto on their license plate, the populace erupted in protest.

363. voltmeter

This word was formed in International Scientific Vocabulary from an Italian name and an originally Greek part.

noun

an instrument for measuring the differences of potential between different points of an electrical circuit.

The voltmeter showed no current moving through the wire.

364. exponentially

This word is from Latin.

adverb

in a manner indicating variation in which one variable factor depends upon another variable factor, characterized by an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent).

For the past decade, sales of smartphones have been growing exponentially.

365. stereotype

This word came to English from French, which formed it from Greek parts.

noun

something conforming to a fixed or general pattern and lacking individual distinguishing marks or qualities.

Kane dismisses the idea that healthy food can’t taste good as a silly stereotype.

366. quarantine

This word is from a word that went from Latin to French to Italian.

noun

a regulation restraining a ship from physical connections with the shore while suspected of offering a threat of contagion.

Were it not for the quarantine, the port city might have experienced an outbreak of a deadly strain of influenza.

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367. Say to the speller “This word could be confused with a similar word.” Next, say the word. Then, provide the word’s part of speech and definition. Finally, answer speller’s questions, if any, about the word.

armoire

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

[Could be confused with armor/armour.]

a usually large and ornate cupboard, wardrobe or clothespress.

Stella gave her armoire to her brother when she moved to Maryland.

368. coniferous

This word is formed from two Latin elements plus an English combining form.

adjective

bearing cones.

A covering of coniferous trees keeps some mountains green all winter.

369. benzene

This word was formed in International Scientific Vocabulary from an originally French element and an originally Greek element.

noun

a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon that burns with a luminous flame.

A benzene molecule has six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagon, with each side of the hexagon representing the bond between two carbon atoms.

370. nasturtium

This word is from Latin.

noun

any of several tropical American pungent herbs having showy variously colored spurred flowers.

Gina’s mother picked flowers from the nasturtium outside her back door and added them to the salad she was preparing.

371. The following word has two or more correct spellings. Either one of the two spellings listed below should be accepted as correct; the speller only needs to provide one correct spelling.

anesthesia or anaesthesia

This word is from an originally Greek word that passed into Latin.

noun

loss of feeling and usually consciousness through the use of medicine.

Upon waking up from anesthesia, Ashley wanted to know if they rumors about Jay-Z and Beyoncé were true or if she had dreamt them.

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372. velocipede

This word came from French, which formed it from a Latin word.

noun

a lightweight wheeled vehicle propelled by the rider.

The hipster built a replica of an 1830s velocipede in order to have the perfect transportation mode to complement his vintage style.

373. The speller should not be disqualified based upon noting or failing to note punctuation or spacing within the following word. The speller should be judged based upon uttering the correct sequence of letters in the correct order.

cul-de-sac

This word is originally French.

noun

a street that is closed at one end but usually has a circular area for turning around at that end.

When shopping for a house, Fiona and Scott told their realtor they wanted to live on a cul-de-sac.

374. edamame

This word is from Japanese.

noun

immature green soybeans usually in the pod.

Thea’s favorite appetizer is edamame topped with a sprinkling of sea salt.

375. diminuendo

This word came from Italian, which formed it from a Latin word.

adverb

with gradually diminishing volume or intensity — used as a direction in music.

When the orchestra played diminuendo, the flutes became more prominent.

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Numerical Index of Spelling Words

1. mad 2. dots 3. row 4. tiny 5. nest 6. ship 7. ears 8. name 9. darts 10. meal 11. sadly 12. aim 13. wash 14. stage 15. maybe 16. cried 17. straw 18. open 19. shell 20. hugged 21. brush 22. trail 23. center or centre 24. lava 25. bathtub 26. nose 27. taxi 28. food 29. bird 30. wear 31. rules 32. boring 33. ferns 34. sandbox 35. elbow 36. braid 37. stuck 38. lawn 39. posters 40. swift 41. moody 42. grain 43. coast 44. restless 45. parents 46. shopping 47. mouse 48. anyone 49. lookout 50. fuddy-duddy 51. temper 52. paint 53. banana

54. untidy 55. darkest 56. chatter 57. sturdy 58. riddle 59. dollars 60. feast 61. subject 62. might 63. flicker 64. onion 65. strange 66. married 67. pounce 68. supplies 69. farewell 70. pebbles 71. young 72. vacation 73. puzzles 74. skateboard 75. poem 76. twine 77. nifty 78. monkeys 79. contract 80. belief 81. janitor 82. observe 83. anteater 84. elderly 85. portable 86. timidly 87. massive 88. trance 89. flexible 90. teaspoon 91. climbed 92. knitting 93. deadline 94. passage 95. complaints 96. nonsense 97. laundry 98. lodging 99. veins 100. mountain 101. hooves 102. indicate 103. performance 104. biology 105. clause 106. specific 107. bemused

108. invisible 109. vocabulary 110. contestants 111. failure 112. beckon 113. fortune 114. dimension 115. caterpillar 116. tightrope 117. applause 118. innocent 119. digestive 120. settee 121. cupboard 122. marooned 123. daunted 124. moisture 125. gymnastics 126. esteem 127. inlet 128. microscope 129. auction 130. thicket 131. mildew 132. bushel 133. sediment 134. peculiar 135. clodhopper 136. quashed 137. dandruff 138. cutlery 139. gnarled 140. equestrian 141. bedraggled 142. paisley 143. precursor 144. infuriating 145. coronet 146. pauper 147. suet 148. partridge 149. algae 150. marionette 151. varsity 152. enchantment 153. mystic 154. ravine 155. perilous 156. rendition 157. avian 158. engineering 159. feckless 160. compatriots 161. heredity

162. indifference 163. opinionated 164. alliance 165. epithets 166. javelin 167. implacable 168. lyre 169. austere 170. cavalcade 171. tenaciously 172. Icarus 173. scrumptiously 174. burglarious 175. thaumaturge 176. vulpine 177. Honolulu 178. neutron 179. catastrophic 180. mahogany 181. avalanche 182. perpetrator 183. insulin 184. Mylar 185. physicists 186. Stilton 187. conflagration 188. habanero 189. allegiance 190. legitimately 191. pilgrimages 192. concussion 193. vengeance 194. unscrupulous 195. overweening 196. inconceivable 197. semaphore 198. enervating 199. Jacobean 200. silhouetted 201. recusant 202. potentialities 203. gesticulations 204. Patagonia 205. interminableness 206. prestidigitation 207. constabulary 208. pugnacious 209. eucalyptus 210. moiety 211. Lilliput 212. pertinacity 213. castellated 214. Hebrides 215. nautilus

216. phosphine 217. rheumatic 218. outré 219. phrenologists 220. malacca 221. chevalier 222. ague 223. hors de combat 224. netsuke 225. a posteriori 226. tiptoe 227. spry 228. chopstick 229. blubber 230. townsfolk 231. ringlet 232. battery 233. warbler 234. closure 235. settlers 236. beaker 237. steamroller 238. tollbooth or tolbooth 239. compute 240. gallons 241. spelt 242. trombone 243. prisoner 244. cringing 245. extract 246. sprocket 247. peppermint 248. captured 249. garland 250. winced 251. select 252. feature 253. couplet 254. juncture 255. scuffle 256. clarify 257. hostage 258. treasure 259. pigeon 260. cargo 261. revolve 262. position 263. nettle 264. federal 265. destitute 266. rectangle 267. hemlock 268. warden

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269. surround 270. pallor 271. intellect 272. sensitive 273. yearling 274. unfurl 275. monitor 276. plumage 277. tawny 278. demolish 279. frustrated 280. bereft 281. eon or aeon 282. sectional 283. oddity 284. combination 285. symbol 286. poplar 287. rivet 288. codify 289. identical 290. conducive 291. distribute 292. excitement 293. pedestal 294. literate 295. ferocity 296. sizable or sizeable 297. lavish 298. expansive 299. panama 300. warrant 301. equation 302. textural 303. flaxen 304. raspingly 305. liberation 306. exposure 307. recital 308. assess 309. buzzard 310. coordinate 311. riotous 312. verdant 313. economist 314. predator 315. factorial 316. tabulation 317. illusive 318. articulate 319. immersed 320. appropriate 321. commonwealth 322. obligation

323. technicality 324. veneer 325. nutrient 326. accordingly 327. replica 328. yodel or jodel 329. thesis 330. antenna 331. consumption 332. presumably 333. cavernous 334. adherence 335. contemptible 336. municipality 337. flammable 338. indecisively 339. plaque or placque 340. gnu 341. amendment 342. detestable 343. component 344. aplomb 345. maudlin 346. reminisce 347. poutine 348. intestate 349. Victrola 350. Austenite 351. predominant 352. emoji 353. higgledy-piggledy or higglety-pigglety 354. solarium 355. kerosene or kerosine 356. Zamboni 357. dermatology 358. statuesque 359. woebegone 360. reprehensible 361. negativism 362. populace 363. voltmeter 364. exponentially 365. stereotype 366. quarantine 367. armoire 368. coniferous 369. benzene 370. nasturtium 371. anesthesia or anaesthesia 372. velocipede 373. cul-de-sac

374. edamame 375. diminuendo

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Alphabetical Index of Spelling Words

A a posteriori – 225 accordingly – 326 adherence – 334 ague – 222 aim – 12 algae – 149 allegiance – 189 alliance – 164 amendment – 341 anesthesia or anaesthesia – 371 anteater – 83 antenna – 330 anyone – 48 aplomb – 344 applause – 117 appropriate – 320 armoire – 367 articulate – 318 assess – 308 auction – 129 Austenite – 350 austere – 169 avalanche – 181 avian – 157

B banana – 53 bathtub – 25 battery – 232 beaker – 236 beckon – 112 bedraggled – 141 belief – 80 bemused – 107 benzene – 369 bereft – 280 biology – 104 bird – 29 blubber – 229 boring – 32 braid – 36 brush – 21 burglarious – 174 bushel – 132 buzzard – 309

C captured – 248 cargo – 260 castellated – 213 catastrophic – 179 caterpillar – 115

cavalcade – 170 cavernous – 333 center or centre – 23 chatter – 56 chevalier – 221 chopstick – 228 clarify – 256 clause – 105 climbed – 91 clodhopper – 135 closure – 234 coast – 43 codify – 288 combination – 284 commonwealth – 321 compatriots – 160 complaints – 95 component – 343 compute – 239 concussion – 192 conducive – 290 conflagration – 187 coniferous – 368 constabulary – 207 consumption – 331 contemptible – 335 contestants – 110 contract – 79 coordinate – 310 coronet – 145 couplet – 253 cried – 16 cringing – 244 cul-de-sac – 373 cupboard – 121 cutlery – 138

D dandruff – 137 darkest – 55 darts – 9 daunted – 123 deadline – 93 demolish – 278 dermatology – 357 destitute – 265 detestable – 342 digestive – 119 dimension – 114 diminuendo – 375 distribute – 291 dollars – 59 dots – 2

E ears – 7 economist – 313 edamame – 374 elbow – 35 elderly – 84 emoji – 352 enchantment – 152 enervating – 198 engineering – 158 eon or aeon – 281 epithets – 165 equation – 301 equestrian – 140 esteem – 126 eucalyptus – 209 excitement – 292 expansive – 298 exponentially – 364 exposure – 306 extract – 245

F factorial – 315 failure – 111 farewell – 69 feast – 60 feature – 252 feckless – 159 federal – 264 ferns – 33 ferocity – 295 flammable – 337 flaxen – 303 flexible – 89 flicker – 63 food – 28 fortune – 113 frustrated – 279 fuddy-duddy – 50

G gallons – 240 garland – 249 gesticulations – 203 gnarled – 139 gnu – 340 grain – 42 gymnastics – 125

H habanero – 188 Hebrides – 214 hemlock – 267

heredity – 161 higgledy-piggledy or higglety-pigglety – 353 Honolulu – 177 hooves – 101 hors de combat – 223 hostage – 257 hugged – 20

I Icarus – 172 identical – 289 illusive – 317 immersed – 319 implacable – 167 inconceivable – 196 indecisively – 338 indicate – 102 indifference – 162 infuriating – 144 inlet – 127 innocent – 118 insulin – 183 intellect – 271 interminableness – 205 intestate – 348 invisible – 108

J Jacobean – 199 janitor – 81 javelin – 166 juncture – 254

K kerosene or kerosine – 355 knitting – 92

L laundry – 97 lava – 24 lavish – 297 lawn – 38 legitimately – 190 liberation – 305 Lilliput – 211 literate – 294 lodging – 98 lookout – 49 lyre – 168

M mad – 1 mahogany – 180 malacca – 220 marionette – 150

marooned – 122 married – 66 massive – 87 maudlin – 345 maybe – 15 meal – 10 microscope – 128 might – 62 mildew – 131 moiety – 210 moisture – 124 monitor – 275 monkeys – 78 moody – 41 mountain – 100 mouse – 47 municipality – 336 Mylar – 184 mystic – 153

N name – 8 nasturtium – 370 nautilus – 215 negativism – 361 nest – 5 netsuke – 224 nettle – 263 neutron – 178 nifty – 77 nonsense – 96 nose – 26 nutrient – 325

O obligation – 322 observe – 82 oddity – 283 onion – 64 open – 18 opinionated – 163 outré – 218 overweening – 195

P paint – 52 paisley – 142 pallor – 270 panama – 299 parents – 45 partridge – 148 passage – 94 Patagonia – 204 pauper – 146 pebbles – 70

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peculiar – 134 pedestal – 293 peppermint – 247 performance – 103 perilous – 155 perpetrator – 182 pertinacity – 212 phosphine – 216 phrenologists – 219 physicists – 185 pigeon – 259 pilgrimages – 191 plaque or placque – 339 plumage – 276 poem – 75 poplar – 286 populace – 362 portable – 85 position – 262 posters – 39 potentialities – 202 pounce – 67 poutine – 347 precursor – 143 predator – 314 predominant – 351 prestidigitation – 206 presumably – 332 prisoner – 243 pugnacious – 208 puzzles – 73

Q quarantine – 366 quashed – 136

R raspingly – 304 ravine – 154 recital – 307 rectangle – 266 recusant – 201 reminisce – 346 rendition – 156 replica – 327 reprehensible – 360 restless – 44 revolve – 261 rheumatic – 217 riddle – 58 ringlet – 231 riotous – 311 rivet – 287 row – 3 rules – 31

S sadly – 11 sandbox – 34 scrumptiously – 173 scuffle – 255 sectional – 282 sediment – 133 select – 251 semaphore – 197 sensitive – 272 settee – 120 settlers – 235 shell – 19 ship – 6 shopping – 46 silhouetted – 200 sizable or sizeable – 296 skateboard – 74 solarium – 354 specific – 106 spelt – 241 sprocket – 246 spry – 227 stage – 14 statuesque – 358 steamroller – 237 stereotype – 365 Stilton – 186 strange – 65 straw – 17 stuck – 37 sturdy – 57 subject – 61 suet – 147 supplies – 68 surround – 269 swift – 40 symbol – 285

T tabulation – 316 tawny – 277 taxi – 27 teaspoon – 90 technicality – 323 temper – 51 tenaciously – 171 textural – 302 thaumaturge – 175 thesis – 329 thicket – 130 tightrope – 116 timidly – 86 tiny – 4 tiptoe – 226

tollbooth or tolbooth – 238 townsfolk – 230 trail – 22 trance – 88 treasure – 258 trombone – 242 twine – 76

U unfurl – 274 unscrupulous – 194 untidy – 54

V vacation – 72 varsity – 151 veins – 99 velocipede – 372 veneer – 324 vengeance – 193 verdant – 312 Victrola – 349 vocabulary – 109 voltmeter – 363 vulpine – 176

W warbler – 233 warden – 268 warrant – 300 wash – 13 wear – 30 winced – 250 woebegone – 359

Y yearling – 273 yodel or jodel – 328 young – 71

Z Zamboni – 356