4th Grade Spelling Bee Words

356 words for a 4th grade bee, in three rounds. Most carry a definition and a sentence, and every one has a play button so the pronouncer can say it aloud in Joy's voice. Print it, or run it from the screen. Free, nothing to sign up for.

Warm-up round

Words children practicing here almost always get first time. Open with these so every speller gets a turn before anyone goes out.

  1. ballnoun0.9% needed a second try

    A spherical or ovoid body used in a game or sport

    “a tennis ball”

  2. deepadjective1.7% needed a second try

    Extending far downward

    “a deep well”

  3. lessadjective0.6% needed a second try

    Constituting a more limited number or amount

    “less than three”

  4. tooadverb1.7% needed a second try

    Besides, also

    “sell the house and furniture too”

  5. agoadjective or adverb6.5% needed a second try

    Earlier than the present time

    “10 years ago”

  6. arguedverb7% needed a second try

    To give reasons for or against something : reason

    “argue for a new policy”

  7. basenoun7.2% needed a second try

    The bottom of something considered as its support : foundation

    “the base of the mountain”

  8. becameverb6.3% needed a second try

    To come into existence

    “become sick”

  9. boxnoun6.4% needed a second try

    An open cargo container of a vehicle

    “Don't block the box.”

  10. bringverb6.6% needed a second try

    To convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded

    “brought a bottle of wine to the party”

  11. calculateverb6.7% needed a second try

    To determine by mathematical processes

    “calculate the rate of acceleration”

  12. classnoun5.9% needed a second try

    A body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject

    “Several students in the class are absent today.”

  13. combnoun4.5% needed a second try

    A toothed instrument used especially for adjusting, cleaning, or confining hair

  14. contrastverb5.8% needed a second try

    To set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences

    “Contrast European and American manners.”

  15. darkadjective5.6% needed a second try

    Devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light

    “a dark room”

  16. developverb7.2% needed a second try

    To set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : expound

    “develop a thesis”

  17. dryadjective4.5% needed a second try

    Free or relatively free from a liquid and especially water

    “Mix the dry ingredients first.”

  18. factnoun5.2% needed a second try

    Something that has actual existence

    “space exploration is now a fact”

  19. feelverb4.4% needed a second try

    To handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality

    “She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.”

  20. filledverb6.5% needed a second try

    To put into as much as can be held or conveniently contained

    “fill a cup with water”

  21. fineadjective6.2% needed a second try

    All right

    “that's fine with me”

  22. flyverb4.2% needed a second try

    To move in or pass through the air with wings

    “bees flying around the hive”

  23. forcenoun7% needed a second try

    Moral or mental strength

    “I was impressed by the force of his character.”

  24. frontnoun4.1% needed a second try

    Forehead

  25. fulladjective3.2% needed a second try

    Containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

    “a full hamper”

  26. gamenoun4.7% needed a second try

    A physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other

  27. gave3.7% needed a second try

    past tense of give

  28. ghostnoun4.5% needed a second try

    The seat of life or intelligence : soul

    “give up the ghost”

  29. greenadjective4.2% needed a second try

    Of the color green

  30. halfnoun5.6% needed a second try

    Either of two equal parts that compose something

  31. heatverb3.9% needed a second try

    To become warm or hot

    “water heating in a kettle”

  32. hotadjective3.6% needed a second try

    Having a relatively high temperature

    “hot and humid weather”

  33. hournoun6.4% needed a second try

    A time or office for daily liturgical devotion

    “in the military 4:30 p.m. is called 1630 hours”

  34. islandnoun6.8% needed a second try

    A tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent

  35. kneenoun3.6% needed a second try

    A joint in the middle part of the human leg that is the articulation between the femur, tibia, and patella; also : the part of the leg that includes this joint

  36. knifenoun5.7% needed a second try

    A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting

    “Use a knife to cut the bread.”

  37. lambnoun3.8% needed a second try

    A young sheep; especially : one that is less than one year old or without permanent teeth

  38. misplaceverb6.7% needed a second try

    To put in a wrong or inappropriate place

    “misplace a comma”

  39. nationnoun7.1% needed a second try

    A community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government

    “Canada is a nation with a written constitution”

  40. nonstopadjective3.7% needed a second try

    Done, made, or held without a stop : not easing or letting up

  41. noteverb4.7% needed a second try

    To notice or observe with care

    “… instructors had noted that he did not perform well under pressure.”

  42. nounnoun4.4% needed a second try

    Any member of a class of words that typically can be combined with determiners to serve as the subject of a verb, can be interpreted as singular or plural, can be replaced with a pronoun, and refer to an entity, quality, state, action, or concept

    “There are two nouns in this sentence.”

  43. objectnoun7% needed a second try

    Something material that may be perceived by the senses

    “I see an object in the distance.”

  44. ohinterjection6.3% needed a second try

    —used to express an emotion (such as surprise or desire) or in response to physical stimuli

  45. plotnoun6.4% needed a second try

    A small area of planted ground

    “a vegetable plot”

  46. restnoun7.1% needed a second try

    Repose, sleep; specifically : a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities

  47. rhombusnoun6.7% needed a second try

    A parallelogram with four equal sides and sometimes one with no right angles

  48. roadnoun6.5% needed a second try

    Roadstead —often used in plural

  49. rulenoun6.9% needed a second try

    A prescribed guide for conduct or action

  50. settingnoun5.5% needed a second try

    The manner, position, or direction in which something is set

    “two settings of sterling silver”

  51. sixnoun2.8% needed a second try

    A number that is one more than five

  52. sizenoun7.2% needed a second try

    Physical magnitude, extent, or bulk : relative or proportionate dimensions

    “a size seven hat”

  53. starsverb7.3% needed a second try

    To play the most prominent or important role in a movie, play, etc.

    “an actor currently starring in a hit Broadway show”

  54. staynoun6.1% needed a second try

    A large strong rope usually of wire used to support a mast

  55. stood4.1% needed a second try

    past tense and past participle of stand

  56. subjectnoun4% needed a second try

    One that is placed under authority or control: such as

  57. subwaynoun6.6% needed a second try

    An underground way: such as

  58. systemnoun4.7% needed a second try

    A regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole : such as

  59. tennoun3.5% needed a second try

    A number that is one more than nine

    “wears a ten”

  60. themenoun5.8% needed a second try

    A subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation

    “guilt and punishment is the theme of the story”

  61. thenadverb6.8% needed a second try

    At that time

  62. topreposition4% needed a second try

    —used as a function word to indicate movement or an action or condition suggestive of movement toward a place, person, or thing reached

  63. verbnoun7.4% needed a second try

    A word (such as jump, happen, or exist) that functions as the main word of the predicate of a sentence and expresses an act, occurrence, or state of being or that is used with another verb as an auxiliary

  64. warmadjective6.6% needed a second try

    Having or giving out heat to a moderate or adequate degree

    “warm weather”

  65. weeknoun3.1% needed a second try

    Any of a series of 7-day cycles used in various calendars

    “last Sunday week”

  66. wheelsnoun6.1% needed a second try

    A circular frame of hard material that may be solid, partly solid, or spoked and that is capable of turning on an axle

  67. wrongadjective2.9% needed a second try

    Not correct; not right

    “I got three answers wrong on the math test.”

  68. yesadverb6.8% needed a second try

    —used as a function word to express assent or agreement

  69. yetadverb4.7% needed a second try

    In addition : besides

    “gives yet another reason”

  70. acceptverb11.4% needed a second try

    To receive (something offered) willingly

    “accept a gift”

  71. accomplishverb11.6% needed a second try

    To bring about (a result) by effort

    “have much to accomplish today”

  72. Africageographical name9.5% needed a second try

    Continent of the eastern hemisphere straddling the Equator, separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, and adjoining Asia at the Sinai Peninsula area 11,677,239 square miles (30,244,049 square kilometers)

  73. areanoun7.8% needed a second try

    The surface included within a set of lines

    “the whole area of foreign policy”

  74. behindadverb or adjective8.6% needed a second try

    In the place or situation that is being or has been departed from

    “stay behind”

  75. boatnoun8.4% needed a second try

    A small vessel for travel on water

    “a gravy boat”

  76. bordernoun9.4% needed a second try

    An outer part or edge

    “at the borders of the forest”

  77. breadnoun12.3% needed a second try

    A usually baked and leavened food made of a mixture whose basic constituent is flour or meal

    “our daily bread”

  78. cannotauxiliary verb9.1% needed a second try

    Can not

  79. causenoun8.6% needed a second try

    A reason for an action or condition : motive

    “trying to find the cause of the accident”

  80. cautionnoun11.4% needed a second try

    Warning, admonishment

    “Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.”

  81. checkverb11.7% needed a second try

    To inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly or appreciatively

    “needs to check her facts”

  82. circularadjective10.9% needed a second try

    Having the form of a circle} : {sx

    “a circular orbit”

  83. commonadjective10.9% needed a second try

    Of or relating to a community} at large : {sx

    “work for the common good”

  84. compareverb12.4% needed a second try

    To represent as similar : liken

    “Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?”

  85. concludingverb9.2% needed a second try

    To bring to an end especially in a particular way or with a particular action

    “conclude a meeting”

  86. confirmverb11.7% needed a second try

    To give approval to : ratify

    “confirm a treaty”

  87. conflictnoun7.8% needed a second try

    Fight, battle, war

    “an armed conflict”

  88. convinceverb8.7% needed a second try

    To bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : persuade

    “convinced himself that she was all right”

  89. correctverb8.9% needed a second try

    To make or set right : amend

    “correct an error”

  90. decreaseverb12% needed a second try

    To grow progressively less (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)

    “Yearly sales decreased by five percent.”

  91. defendverb8.1% needed a second try

    To drive danger or attack away from

    “defend the castle from invaders”

  92. describeverb10.2% needed a second try

    To represent or give an account of in words

    “describe a picture”

  93. done7.7% needed a second try

    —also used in several varieties of English (such as African American English) typically before a past tense verb form to communicate that something (such as an action) has ended

  94. Englishadjective11.5% needed a second try

    Of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language

  95. equationnoun11.7% needed a second try

    The act or process of equating

  96. evidencenoun11.2% needed a second try

    An outward sign : indication

  97. exceptpreposition11.5% needed a second try

    With the exclusion or exception of

    “daily except Sundays”

  98. factornoun7.6% needed a second try

    One who acts or transacts business for another: such as

  99. finallyadverb9.3% needed a second try

    After a prolonged time : at the end of period of time

    “Two hours later, the train finally arrived.”

  100. heavyadjective11.5% needed a second try

    Having great weight; also : characterized by mass or weight

  101. horribleadjective10.4% needed a second try

    Marked by or arousing painful and intense fear, dread, dismay, or aversion : marked by or arousing horror

    “a horrible accident”

  102. inchesnoun9.3% needed a second try

    A unit of length equal to ¹/₃₆ yard

    “is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches”

  103. insidenoun9.9% needed a second try

    An interior or internal part or place : the part within

    “only someone on the inside could have told”

  104. knockverb8.6% needed a second try

    To strike something with a sharp blow

  105. knownadjective10.8% needed a second try

    Generally recognized

    “a known authority on art”

  106. Mainebiographical name9% needed a second try

    Sir Henry James Sumner 1822–1888 English jurist

  107. motionnoun10.7% needed a second try

    An act, process, or instance of changing place : movement

    “a pendulum in motion”

  108. nextadjective12.3% needed a second try

    Immediately adjacent (as in place, rank, or time)

  109. nothingpronoun7.9% needed a second try

    Not any thing : no thing

    “leaves nothing to the imagination”

  110. observeverb11.8% needed a second try

    To conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with

    “failed to observe the law and as a consequence had to pay a fine”

  111. oceannoun10.3% needed a second try

    The whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth

    “the oceans of the world”

  112. personnoun12% needed a second try

    Human, individual —sometimes used in combination especially by those who prefer to avoid man in compounds applicable to both sexes

  113. persuadeverb10.1% needed a second try

    To move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action

  114. planenoun12.4% needed a second try

    Airplane

    “on the intellectual plane”

  115. powernoun8.3% needed a second try

    Legal or official authority, capacity, or right

    “5 to the third power is 125”

  116. predictverb8.7% needed a second try

    To declare or indicate in advance

  117. quicklyadjective8.8% needed a second try

    Marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement

    “walked with quick steps”

  118. ran11.7% needed a second try

    Past tense of run

  119. reasonnoun8.7% needed a second try

    A statement offered in explanation or justification

    “gave reasons that were quite satisfactory”

  120. resultverb11.5% needed a second try

    To proceed or arise as a consequence, effect, or conclusion

    “death resulted from the disease”

  121. roundadjective7.7% needed a second try

    Having every part of the surface or circumference equidistant from the center

  122. shapeverb8.5% needed a second try

    Form, create; especially : to give a particular form or shape to

  123. shownverb7.5% needed a second try

    To cause or permit to be seen : exhibit

    “showed pictures of the baby”

  124. streetnoun8.9% needed a second try

    A thoroughfare especially in a city, town, or village that is wider than an alley or lane and that usually includes sidewalks

    “lives on a fashionable street”

  125. strongadjective9.5% needed a second try

    Having or marked by great physical power

  126. subtitlenoun10.9% needed a second try

    A secondary or explanatory title

  127. thanconjunction10.9% needed a second try

    Rather than

  128. thoughconjunction12.4% needed a second try

    In spite of the fact that : while

    “though they know the war is lost, they continue to fight”

  129. understandverb10% needed a second try

    To grasp the meaning of

    “understand Russian”

  130. visibleadjective10% needed a second try

    Capable of being seen

    “stars visible to the naked eye”

  131. waitverb7.5% needed a second try

    To stay in place in expectation of : await

    “waited the result of the advertisement”

  132. wrecknoun7.7% needed a second try

    Something cast up on the land by the sea especially after a shipwreck

  133. writeverb11% needed a second try

    To form (characters, symbols, etc.) on a surface with an instrument (such as a pen)

    “write one's name”

Main round

The body of the bee. Recorded practice puts these in the middle, alongside the words too rarely practiced here for us to say anything about.

  1. ableadjective13.2% needed a second try

    Having sufficient power, skill, or resources to do something

    “able to solve a problem”

  2. actionnoun13% needed a second try

    A thing done : deed

  3. amongpreposition12.8% needed a second try

    In or through the midst of : surrounded by

    “hidden among the trees”

  4. approachedverb14.3% needed a second try

    To draw closer to : near

    “approach a destination”

  5. avoidverb13.1% needed a second try

    To keep away from : shun

    “They have been avoiding me.”

  6. brought12.6% needed a second try

    past tense and past participle of bring

  7. builtadjective14.7% needed a second try

    Formed as to physique or bodily contours

    “slimly built”

  8. circlenoun15.9% needed a second try

    Ring, halo

  9. clearadjective14.3% needed a second try

    Bright, luminous

    “bonfires clear and bright”

  10. collisionnoun16% needed a second try

    An act or instance of colliding} : {sx

  11. Connecticutgeographical name13.4% needed a second try

    River 407 miles (655 kilometers) long in the northeastern U.S. rising in northern New Hampshire and flowing south along the border between New Hampshire and Vermont, through Massachusetts and Connecticut, and into Long Island Sound

  12. containverb12.5% needed a second try

    To keep within limits: such as

  13. criticaladjective14.4% needed a second try

    Inclined to criticize severely and unfavorably

    “Don't be so critical. This is just a first attempt.”

  14. decidedadjective14.7% needed a second try

    Unquestionable

    “holds a decided advantage over the competition”

  15. decimaladjective13.8% needed a second try

    Based on the number 10

    “decimal coinage”

  16. distributeverb17% needed a second try

    To divide among several or many : apportion

    “distribute expenses”

  17. divisionnoun16.3% needed a second try

    The act or process of dividing} : the state of being {a_link

    “exploited the divisions between the two countries”

  18. examplenoun14.4% needed a second try

    One that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated

    “a good example”

  19. explainverb15.4% needed a second try

    To make known

    “explain the secret of your success”

  20. firstadjective13% needed a second try

    Preceding all others in time, order, or importance: such as

  21. flexibleadjective15.2% needed a second try

    Capable of being flexed : pliant

    “flexible branches swaying in the breeze”

  22. frequentverb16.5% needed a second try

    To associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually

    “a bar frequented by sports fans”

  23. includeverb12.7% needed a second try

    To take in or comprise as a part of a whole or group

    “two sides and the included angle”

  24. machinenoun16.4% needed a second try

    A mechanically, electrically, or electronically operated device for performing a task

    “an espresso machine”

  25. minutesnoun17.4% needed a second try

    The 60th part of an hour of time : 60 seconds

    “Its latitude is 41 degrees 55 minute north.”

  26. paralleladjective15.7% needed a second try

    Lines that run in the same direction and never meet

    “Railroad tracks are parallel lines.”

  27. perpendicularadjective15.8% needed a second try

    Standing at right angles to the plane of the horizon : exactly upright

  28. possibleadjective14.7% needed a second try

    Being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization

    “a possible but difficult task”

  29. produceverb14.7% needed a second try

    To offer to view or notice

  30. purposenoun12.9% needed a second try

    Something set up as an object or end to be attained : intention

  31. resolutionnoun17.1% needed a second try

    The act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones

    “made a resolution to mend my ways”

  32. scarceadjective17.4% needed a second try

    Deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful or abundant

  33. separateverb15.9% needed a second try

    To set or keep apart : disconnect, sever

  34. stationnoun16.2% needed a second try

    The place or position in which something or someone stands or is assigned to stand or remain

  35. televisionnoun14.6% needed a second try

    An electronic system of transmitting transient images of fixed or moving objects together with sound over a wire or through space by apparatus that converts light and sound into electrical waves and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound

  36. twoadjective16% needed a second try

    Being one more than one in number

  37. usuallyadverb17% needed a second try

    According to the usual or ordinary course of things : most often : as a rule : customarily, ordinarily

    “a trip that usually takes an hour”

  38. visionnoun14% needed a second try

    The act or power of seeing : sight

  39. weightnoun14.3% needed a second try

    How heavy something is

    “The weight of the box is 10 pounds.”

  40. pairnoun

    Two things that go together or are the same

    “I need a pair of socks that match.”

  41. who'scontraction

    Who is

    “Who's there?”

  42. graph (write)root

    A root word meaning 'to write' or 'written'

    “A graph shows information in writing or pictures.”

  43. Asiageographical name

    Continent of the eastern hemisphere north of the equator forming a single landmass with Europe (the conventional dividing line between Asia and Europe being the Ural Mountains and the main range of the Caucasus Mountains) and bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south; has numerous large offshore islands, including Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Malay Archipelago, Taiwan, the Japanese chain, and Sakhalin area 17,139,445 square miles (44,391,162 square kilometers)

  44. Ohiogeographical name

    River 981 miles (1578 kilometers) long in the eastern part of the U.S. flowing west from the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in western Pennsylvania, forming the boundaries between Ohio and West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, Indiana and Kentucky, and Illinois and Kentucky, and then flowing into the Mississippi River at the southern tip of Illinois

  45. Utahgeographical name

    State in the western U.S.; capital Salt Lake City area 84,899 square miles (219,888 square kilometers), population 2,763,885

  46. acuteadjective

    Lasting a short time

    “acute experiments”

  47. inferverb

    To derive as a conclusion from facts or premises

    “we see smoke and infer fire”

  48. Texasnoun

    A structure on the awning deck of a steamer that contains the officers' cabins and has the pilothouse in front or on top

  49. affectverb

    To act on and cause a change in (someone or something)

    “Rainfall affects plant growth.”

  50. effectnoun

    Something that inevitably follows an antecedent (such as a cause or agent) : result, outcome

    “the effects of the policy”

  51. informverb

    To communicate knowledge to

    “inform a prisoner of his rights”

  52. insertverb

    To put or thrust in

    “insert the key in the lock”

  53. Kansasgeographical name

    River 169 miles (272 kilometers) long in the eastern part of the state of Kansas flowing east into the Missouri River

  54. obtuseadjective

    Not pointed or acute : blunt

  55. preferverb

    To promote or advance to a rank or position

    “prefers sports to reading”

  56. selectadjective

    Chosen from a number or group by fitness or preference

    “pleased with the select appreciation of his books”

  57. A main division of a book

    “a new chapter in my life”

  58. Georgiageographical name

    State of the southeastern U.S. bordering on the Atlantic; capital Atlanta area 58,910 square miles (152,577 square kilometers), population 9,687,653

  59. To lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit

    “His comments were a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”

  60. A way of exit or entrance : a road, path, channel, or course by which something passes

    “Special ships clear passages through the ice.”

  61. To endure bravely or quietly : bear

    “support an alibi”

  62. The exterior or upper boundary of an object or body

    “on the surface of the water”

  63. Vermontgeographical name

    State in the northeastern U.S. bordering on Quebec, Canada; capital Montpelier area 9609 square miles (24,983 square kilometers), population 625,741

  64. Wyominggeographical name

    State in the northwestern U.S.; capital Cheyenne area 97,914 square miles (254,576 square kilometers), population 563,626

  65. The words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community

    “studied the French language”

  66. New Yorkgeographical name

    State in northeastern U.S. bordering on Long Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec; capital Albany area 49,576 square miles (121,898 square kilometers), population 19,378,102

  67. To put under water

  68. To enclose on all sides : envelop

  69. To cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion

    “exclaimed in delight”

  70. A recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)

  71. The time before something happens or before a specified period ends : meantime

    “in the meanwhile colleges and universities have become somewhere near one hundred times more complex”

  72. preschooladjective

    Of, relating to, or constituting the period in a child's life that ordinarily precedes attendance at elementary school

  73. thereforeadverb

    For that reason : consequently

  74. A number equal to 10 times 100

    “thousands of ants”

  75. To utter threats against

  76. tele (far)root

    A root word meaning 'far' or 'distant'

    “Television lets us see things from far away.”

  77. auto (self)root

    A root word meaning 'self' or 'same'

    “Automobile means a vehicle that moves by itself.”

  78. geo (earth)root

    A root word meaning 'earth' or 'ground'

    “Geography is the study of the earth and its features.”

  79. phon (sound)noun

    A word meaning phon (sound)

  80. cycle (circle)root

    A root word meaning 'circle' or 'wheel'

    “A bicycle has two wheels that cycle around.”

  81. Iowanoun

    A state in the midwestern United States

    “Iowa is known for its corn fields.”

  82. Idahogeographical name

    State of the northwestern U.S. bordering on British Columbia, Canada; capital Boise area 83,557 square miles (217,248 square kilometers), population 1,567,582

  83. ironynoun

    The use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning

  84. meter (measure)noun

    A unit of measurement; also a prefix meaning 'measure'

    “A meter is 100 centimeters long.”

  85. Alaskageographical name

    State (territory 1912–59) of the U.S. in northwestern North America bounded by the Arctic and Pacific oceans and bordering on Canada; capital Juneau area 591,004 square miles (1,530,700 square kilometers), making it by far the largest state, population 710,231

  86. Nevadageographical name

    State in the Great Basin of the western U.S.; capital Carson City area 110,567 square miles (286,368 square kilometers), population 2,700,551

  87. Oregongeographical name

    The Columbia River —an early name used especially prior to the discovery of the mouth and the renaming of the river (1792) by Captain Robert Gray

  88. rarelyadverb

    Not often : seldom

  89. The act of beating someone or something with successive blows : the act of battering

    “evidence that supports a charge of battery”

  90. The action or process of eroding

  91. Floridageographical name

    State of the southeastern U.S. bordering on the Atlantic, the Straits of Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico; capital Tallahassee area 58,664 square miles (151,940 square kilometers), population 18,801,310

  92. furiousadjective

    Giving a stormy or turbulent appearance

    “furious bursts of flame”

  93. Indianageographical name

    State of the east central U.S. that has the Ohio River as its southern boundary and borders on Lake Michigan in the northwest; capital Indianapolis area 36,291 square miles (94,357 square kilometers), population 6,483,802

  94. The greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

  95. The least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

    “Keep expenses to a bare minimum.”

  96. Montanageographical name

    State in the northwestern U.S. bordering on Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, Canada; capital Helena area 147,138 square miles (381,087 square kilometers), population 989,415

  97. obviousadjective

    Easily discovered, seen, or understood

    “It was obvious that things weren't working out.”

  98. summaryadjective

    Comprehensive; especially : covering the main points succinctly

  99. typicaladjective

    Combining or exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group

    “typical suburban houses”

  100. Arkansasgeographical name

    River 1450 miles (2334 kilometers) long in the southwest central U.S. rising in central Colorado and flowing east and southeast through southern Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and Arkansas into the Mississippi River

  101. A written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing

    “organized a series of dialogues on human rights”

  102. To judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth, or significance of

  103. A confederation of Algonquian-speaking Indigenous peoples of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin

  104. Kentuckygeographical name

    River 259 miles (417 kilometers) long in the north central part of the state of Kentucky flowing northwest into the Ohio River

  105. Marylandgeographical name

    State in the eastern U.S. on both sides of Chesapeake Bay and bordering the Atlantic; capital Annapolis area 10,460 square miles (27,091 square kilometers), population 5,773,552

  106. materialadjective

    Relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter; especially : physical

  107. Michigangeographical name

    State in the northern U.S. in the Great Lakes region including an upper (northwestern) peninsula and a lower (southeastern) peninsula and having a border on all of the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario; capital Lansing area 58,527 square miles (151,585 square kilometers), population 9,883,640

  108. Missourigeographical name

    River 2466 miles (3968 kilometers) long in the western U.S. flowing from southwestern Montana into the Mississippi River in eastern Missouri

  109. The person who tells a story

    “The narrator explained what happened in the story.”

  110. A state in the central United States

    “Nebraska is known for its corn and beef production.”

  111. previousadjective

    Going before in time or order : prior

    “the previous owners”

  112. readableadjective

    Able to be read easily: such as

  113. The matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid

  114. To make simple or simpler: such as

  115. terribleadjective

    Notably unattractive or objectionable

    “terrible behavior”

  116. Virginiageographical name

    State in the eastern U.S. bordering Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic; capital Richmond area 40,767 square miles (105,586 square kilometers), population 8,001,024

  117. Australiageographical name

    Continent of the eastern hemisphere southeast of Asia and south of the Equator area 2,948,366 square miles (7,665,751 square kilometers)

  118. breakableadjective

    Capable of being broken

  119. effectiveadjective

    Producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect

    “an effective policy”

  120. essentialadjective

    Of, relating to, or constituting essence} : {sx

    “an essential requirement for admission to college”

  121. fortunateadjective

    Bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : auspicious

    “made a fortunate investment”

  122. organizedadjective

    Having a formal organization to coordinate and carry out activities

    “organized baseball”

  123. To present (something) as worthy of acceptance or trial

    “Can you recommend a good restaurant?”

  124. To give a clear understanding or impression of : to describe or present clearly

    “a book which represents the character of early America”

  125. To tell in or reduce to a summary

  126. Tennesseegeographical name

    River 652 miles (1049 kilometers) long in the eastern U.S. in Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky, flowing into the Ohio River

  127. An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)

  128. Wisconsingeographical name

    River 430 miles (692 kilometers) long in central Wisconsin flowing south and west into the Mississippi River

  129. bio (life)noun

    A word meaning bio (life)

  130. To become progressively greater (as in size, amount, number, or intensity)

  131. New Jerseygeographical name

    State in the eastern U.S. bordering on Lower New York Bay, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Pennsylvania and Delaware by the Delaware River; capital Trenton area 7787 square miles (20,168 square kilometers), population 8,791,894

  132. An act of predicting

  133. Washingtonbiographical name

    Booker Taliaferro 1856—1915 American educator

  134. The action of the weather conditions in altering the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects; specifically : the physical disintegration and chemical decomposition of earth materials at or near the earth's surface

  135. micro (small)noun

    A word meaning micro (small)

  136. New Hampshiregeographical name

    State of the northeastern U.S. having borders on the Atlantic and the Canadian province of Quebec; capital Concord area 9279 square miles (24,033 square kilometers), population 1,316,470

  137. photo (light)noun

    A word meaning photo (light)

  138. Alabamageographical name

    River 315 miles (507 kilometers) long in southern Alabama flowing southwest into the Tensaw and Mobile rivers

  139. Arizonageographical name

    State of the southwestern U.S. bordering on Mexico; capital Phoenix area 113,909 square miles (296,163 square kilometers), population 6,392,017

  140. Coloradogeographical name

    River 1450 miles (2334 kilometers) long in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico rising in northern Colorado and flowing southwest into the Gulf of California

  141. The state of being entire or complete

  142. Oklahomageographical name

    State in the south central U.S.; capital Oklahoma City area 69,956 square miles (181,186 square kilometers), population 3,751,351

  143. agreeableadjective

    Pleasing to the mind or senses especially as according well with one's tastes or needs

    “an agreeable companion”

  144. To put an end to or get rid of : remove

    “eliminate errors”

  145. To have a good time

  146. One that insulates: such as

  147. Louisianageographical name

    State of the southern U.S. that includes the vast delta through which the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico; capital Baton Rouge area 48,523 square miles (126,160 square kilometers), population 4,533,372

  148. Minnesotageographical name

    River 332 miles (534 kilometers) long in the southern part of the state of Minnesota flowing from Big Stone Lake to the Mississippi River

  149. The boundary of a closed plane figure

  150. Artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states

  151. temporaryadjective

    Lasting for a limited time

  152. Antarcticageographical name

    Continent around the South Pole; a plateau covered by a great ice cap and mountain peaks area about 5,500,000 square miles (14,300,000 square kilometers)

  153. Californiageographical name

    State of the southwestern U.S. on the Pacific, the nation's most populous state; capital Sacramento area 158,706 square miles (411,048 square kilometers), population 37,253,956

  154. New Mexicogeographical name

    State in the southwestern U.S. bordering on Mexico; capital Santa Fe area 121,593 square miles (314,926 square kilometers), population 2,059,179

  155. for examplenoun

    One that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated

    “a good example”

  156. Mississippigeographical name

    River 2340 miles (3765 kilometers) long in the central U.S. flowing from north central Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana and flowing through or forming a border of ten states

  157. water cyclenoun

    Hydrologic cycle

    “In the water cycle, water evaporates, condenses, falls as precipitation, and eventually evaporates again.”

  158. Arctic Oceangeographical name

    Ocean north of the Arctic Circle

  159. A chemical reaction involving union between molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (such as water) to form a new more complex compound of often greater molecular weight

    “an essay greatly in need of condensation”

  160. Indian Oceannoun

    The third largest ocean in the world

    “The Indian Ocean is between Africa and Australia.”

  161. mixed numbernoun

    A number (such as 52/3) composed of an integer and a fraction

  162. North Dakotanoun

    A state in the northern United States

    “North Dakota is known for its wheat farms.”

  163. Pennsylvaniageographical name

    State in the northeastern U.S. that has the Delaware River as its eastern border and borders on Lake Erie in the northwest; capital Harrisburg area 45,333 square miles (117,866 square kilometers), population 12,702,379

  164. Rhode Islandgeographical name

    State in the northeastern U.S. surrounding Narragansett Bay and bordering the Atlantic; capital Providence area 1212 square miles (3139 square kilometers), population 1,052,567

  165. South Dakotageographical name

    State in the northwest central U.S. bisected by the Missouri River; capital Pierre area 77,116 square miles (199,730 square kilometers), population 814,180

  166. An indication of what is to come

    “On this merry Christmas evening, however, no fears or dim foreshadowings of any coming event clouded our hearts or faces.”

  167. in conclusionidiom

    —used to introduce the final comments at the end of a speech or a piece of writing

  168. Massachusettsgeographical name

    State on the Atlantic in the northeastern U.S.; capital Boston area 8284 square miles (21,456 square kilometers), population 6,547,629

  169. North Americageographical name

    Continent of the western hemisphere northwest of South America bounded by the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific oceans and including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the countries of Central America area 9,361,791 square miles (24,247,039 square kilometers)

  170. South Americageographical name

    Continent of the western hemisphere lying between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans southeast of North America and crossed by the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn area 6,880,706 square miles (17,821,029 square kilometers)

  171. West Virginiageographical name

    State in the eastern U.S.; capital Charleston area 24,181 square miles (62,871 square kilometers), population 1,852,994

  172. Southern Oceangeographical name

    The ocean surrounding Antarctica including the southern parts of the South Atlantic, South Pacific, and Indian oceans especially south of about 60° south latitude

  173. A fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons

    “could feel the electricity in the room”

  174. Change from a liquid to a vapor

    “evaporation of water”

  175. Pacific Oceannoun

    The largest ocean in the world, between Asia and the Americas

    “The Pacific Ocean is deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.”

  176. The quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness

  177. Atlantic Oceangeographical name

    Ocean separating North and South America from Europe and Africa area 31,814,640 square miles (82,399,918 square kilometers), often divided into the

  178. North Carolinageographical name

    State in eastern U.S. on the Atlantic; capital Raleigh area 52,669 square miles (136,413 square kilometers), population 9,535,483

  179. South Carolinageographical name

    State in the southeastern U.S. on the Atlantic coast; capital Columbia area 31,113 square miles (80,583 square kilometers), population 4,625,364

  180. improper fractionnoun

    A fraction whose numerator is equal to, larger than, or of equal or higher degree than the denominator

  181. on the other handidiom

    —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a different point of view —often used after a statement introduced with on the one hand

Challenge round

The words that most often took more than one try in recorded practice. Hold them back for when the field is down to a few.

  1. personificationnoun35.7% needed a second try

    Attribution of personal qualities

  2. similenoun37.1% needed a second try

    A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses)

  3. alliterationnoun31.6% needed a second try

    The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (such as wild and woolly, threatening throngs)

  4. chiefadjective28.5% needed a second try

    Accorded highest rank or office

    “chief librarian”

  5. decisionnoun30% needed a second try

    The act or process of deciding

    “the moment of decision has come”

  6. fieldnoun27.8% needed a second try

    The place where a battle is fought

    “the field of microbiology”

  7. hyperbolenoun28% needed a second try

    Extravagant exaggeration (such as "mile-high ice-cream cones")

  8. scientistsnoun27.7% needed a second try

    A person learned in science} and especially natural science : a {a_link investigator

  9. thiefnoun30.2% needed a second try

    One that steals especially stealthily or secretly; also : one who commits theft or larceny

  10. comfortableadjective26.6% needed a second try

    Affording or enjoying contentment and security

    “a comfortable income”

  11. demonstrateverb22.8% needed a second try

    To show clearly

    “demonstrate a willingness to cooperate”

  12. denominatornoun26.4% needed a second try

    The part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator

    “a common denominator”

  13. disappointedadjective27.3% needed a second try

    Defeated in expectation or hope

    “apologized to their disappointed fans”

  14. idiomnoun26.2% needed a second try

    An expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (such as up in the air for "undecided") or in its grammatically atypical use of words (such as give way)

  15. metaphornoun26.5% needed a second try

    A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly : figurative language

  16. numeratornoun23% needed a second try

    The part of a fraction that is above the line and signifies the number to be divided by the denominator

  17. previewverb23.2% needed a second try

    To see beforehand; specifically : to view or to show in advance of public presentation

  18. receiveverb26.3% needed a second try

    To come into possession of : acquire

    “receive a gift”

  19. specialadjective26.3% needed a second try

    Distinguished by some unusual quality

    “a special friend”

  20. weighverb24.1% needed a second try

    To ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

  21. adaptationnoun19.7% needed a second try

    Something that is adapted; specifically : a composition rewritten into a new form

    “a new adaptation of an old recipe”

  22. anglenoun21% needed a second try

    A corner whether constituting a projecting part or a partially enclosed space

    “They sheltered in an angle of the building.”

  23. automaticallyadjective17.8% needed a second try

    Largely or wholly involuntary

    “the automatic applause of the audience”

  24. believeverb19.3% needed a second try

    To consider to be true or honest

    “believe the reports”

  25. buildingnoun17.6% needed a second try

    A usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)

  26. carefullyadjective17.5% needed a second try

    Marked by wary caution or prudence

    “be very careful with knives”

  27. ceilingnoun20% needed a second try

    The overhead inside lining of a room

    “The room has a high ceiling.”

  28. characternoun22.2% needed a second try

    One of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual

    “This is a side of her character that few people have seen.”

  29. coursenoun19.7% needed a second try

    The act or action of moving in a path from point to point

    “the planets in their courses”

  30. Delawarenoun21.9% needed a second try

    A member of an Indigenous people originally of the Delaware and lower Hudson river valleys

  31. detailnoun17.7% needed a second try

    Extended treatment of or attention to particular items

    “explaining without going into detail”

  32. differencenoun19.6% needed a second try

    The quality or state of being dissimilar or different

    “the difference between right and wrong”

  33. Europegeographical name18.8% needed a second try

    Continent of the eastern and northern hemispheres that has the Atlantic Ocean to its west, the Arctic Ocean to its north, Asia to its east, and Africa and the Mediterranean and Black seas to its south area 3,997,929 square miles (10,354,636 square kilometers)

  34. governmentnoun21.2% needed a second try

    The officials comprising the governing body of a political unit and constituting the organization as an active agency

    “The government was slow to react to the crisis.”

  35. Hawaiigeographical name18.3% needed a second try

    Group of islands in the central Pacific belonging to the U.S.

  36. howeverconjunction19.6% needed a second try

    In whatever manner or way that

    “will help however I can”

  37. multipleadjective22.4% needed a second try

    Consisting of, including, or involving more than one

    “multiple births”

  38. neighbornoun20.6% needed a second try

    One living or located near another

    “had lunch with her next-door neighbor”

  39. nonsensenoun18.9% needed a second try

    Words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas

    “"And the mome raths outgrabe" is pure nonsense.”

  40. piecenoun17.5% needed a second try

    A part of a whole: such as

  41. recognizeverb22.1% needed a second try

    To acknowledge formally: such as

  42. whoseadjective18.4% needed a second try

    Of or relating to whom or which especially as possessor or possessors, agent or agents, or object or objects of an action

    “whose gorgeous vesture heaps the ground”

Where the round order comes from

When a child finishes a word in practice here, we record how many attempts it took. This page uses 72,233 recorded completions across 214 of these 356 words, from at least 557 children, between 2025-04-09 and 2026-10-07. A word needs at least 100 recorded completions from at least 30 different children before we show a rate for it at all: a word practiced 100 times by two children tells you about those two children, not about the word. The rest of the round is ordered editorially.

What the percentage is: the share of recorded completions of that word that took more than one attempt. Words a child gave up on are excluded from both sides of it rather than counted as a miss.

What it is not: a spelling bee error rate, and not a statement about this grade. The figures are per word, from children practicing on SpellingJoy: our own users working through an assigned list, not a random sample, and not necessarily children in 4th grade. A practice game that lets you try again is also not a competition where one mistake ends your turn. Read it as a signal about which words repay practice, not as a prediction of who goes out.

The rounds are broad bands for that reason. Rates are grouped 5 points at a time, and a round boundary never falls inside a group, so we never put one word above another on a difference this data cannot support. Words with too little recorded practice sit in the main round, ordered by length and syllable count, which is an editorial guess and is marked by the absence of a percentage rather than dressed up as one.

The words themselves come from this grade's curriculum lists: "I before E" pattern words, 50 States of the USA, Academic science terms, Basic literary terms, Common -tion/-sion noun forms, Common adjectives with -able/-ible, Common figurative language terms, Common silent-letter words, Frequently confused word pairs, Frequently used Greek roots{index=64}, Fry High-Frequency Words, Grade 4 Vocabulary – additional prefixes, Grade 4 Writing – common transitional words, Granite School District – 4th Grade Math{index=72}{index=73}, GreatSchools Curriculum, World geography.

Looking for the official Scripps list? The School Spelling Bee Study List and Words of the Champions are published by the Scripps National Spelling Bee and are available from spellingbee.com/study-list. This packet is ours and is not affiliated with Scripps.

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