How to Win a Spelling Bee

Co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA, Education

Updated: April 28, 2019

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

Part One of Three:
Studying Words

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

Part Two of Three:
Improving Your Vocabulary

  1. 1
    Familiarize yourself with common word roots to figure out definitions. Many words are made by combining 2 or more roots that give hints on what the word means. A majority of words in English are formed with Latin or Greek roots. Make a list of common roots you find in your words. When you hear a new word, think back to the definition and the root word to figure out the spelling.[6]
    • For example, the word telephone is made up of the roots “tele-” which means “at a distance” and “-phone” which means voice. Knowing these roots can help you spell words like television, telekinesis, or phonograph based on their definitions.
  2. 2
    Look up the etymology of words online to learn the origins of words. Words originating from different countries may have specific rules or patterns that can help you spell the words. For example, words originating from Japan tend to end with a vowel sound or the letter N.[7] Study words that come from various countries and regions of the world to familiarize yourself with their patterns.[8]
    • Ask a librarian or English teacher to help you find a book to help you learn etymology.
    • Many schools have access to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that lists the entire history of a word. Ask your librarian if your school or university has an OED login.
  3. 3
    Read more books and look up words you don’t know. Keep a dictionary near you as you read books at and above your grade level. If you come across a confusing word, try to guess what the word means based on the rest of the sentence, and then look it up in your dictionary. Make a list of the words you stop for to practice with.[9]
    • For example, in the sentence, “I noshed on some pretzels,” you may be unfamiliar with the word noshed. Based on the context of the sentence, you can guess that nosh means "to eat." When you look up the word, you’ll find nosh means "to eat a snack."
    • Some e-readers have a built-in dictionary that lets you look up words just by tapping on them.
  4. 4
    Play word games. Look online for crosswords or practice spelling tests to help improve your spelling and increase your vocabulary. Keep track of words that are challenging so you can come back to them and practice spelling them later.[10]
    • If you want to play games with friends, try playing a game of Scrabble, Boggle, or Words with Friends.

Part Three of Three:
Competing in the Spelling Bee

  1. 1
    Watch some spelling bees before you compete. If you’ve never seen or participated in a spelling bee before, familiarizing yourself with what they’re like can help you feel more comfortable. Try attending a spelling bee in person or watching footage of different spelling bees online.
    • Watching spelling bees can give you an idea of the typical format of the bee and what the on-stage experience is like for the competitors.
    • You can watch televised national spelling bees, like the Scripps National Spelling Bee, on stations like ESPN. Check on YouTube for footage of smaller local or regional spelling bees.
  2. 2
    Conquer stage fright. Stay calm while you’re on stage by taking slow, deep breaths. Look directly at the announcer rather than anyone in the crowd so you don’t get distracted. Listen to the announcer carefully so you hear each word.[11]
    • Practicing spelling in front of your friends and family before the day of the spelling bee can help prepare you for standing in front of a larger audience.
  3. 3
    Spell words on your palm with your finger to help remember the spelling. Pretend your finger is a pencil and your other hand is a piece of paper. As you hear the word, start writing it out one letter at a time in your palm. This can help you visualize the word better and recognize any mistakes before you spell the word out loud.[12]
    • Take your time when spelling the word. Once you start saying it out loud, you can’t make any changes.
    • Try writing the words with your finger when you’re practicing for the spelling bee to get used to the motions.
  4. 4
    Ask questions about the word if you need clarification. If your spelling bee allows it, ask for the definition, country of origin, and what part of speech the word is so you know what patterns or roots you can expect from your word. If you have trouble hearing the announcer, ask them to repeat the word until you have a clear understanding of it.[13]
    • Some spelling bees will allow the announcer to use the word in a sentence so you can hear it in context.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it helpful to know the definition of the words for the spelling bee?
    Efua Tawiah Addison
    Community Answer
    • Yes, it is. In cases where you can't ask for the origin, you can ask for the definition, which will help you to determine the root.
    Thanks! 18 0
  • Question
    How do I stop being nervous?
    Community Answer
    • Calm yourself down and think, "Okay. So that word isn't hard, right? I'm an amazing speller, and I can totally do this!" Remind yourself that you know the words and you're excited to let others see this fact for real.
    Thanks! 247 33
  • Question
    What is the easiest way to win a spelling bee?
    Community Answer
    • Learn the word by splitting it into syllables, and read it out loud.
    Thanks! 207 29
  • Question
    Will I be asked about the word's definition?
    Top Answerer
    • Spellers are not typically asked for definitions.
    Thanks! 58 7
  • Question
    What happens if I don't win?
    Alyssa Nembhard
    Community Answer
    • All that matters is that you did your best. Besides, there will be other spelling bees and you will do better than before because you are increasing your vocabulary. Just be satisfied that you made it this far.
    Thanks! 32 3
  • Question
    I'm really nervous about messing up, it's my first bee. I'm thinking of letting someone else take my place, but then that's an opportunity missed. What do I do?
    Top Answerer
    • Everyone gets nervous. Just do your best, and learn from the experience. Next time it will be easier.
    Thanks! 59 9
  • Question
    How do I not mix up the letters while spelling?
    Top Answerer
    • Spell by syllable, and visualize each syllable before you spell it out loud.
    Thanks! 100 17
  • Question
    Would it be considered cheating if I was writing the word in my hand with my fingers?
    Community Answer
    • No. I've seen many spellers do it, and it's helpful.
    Thanks! 29 3
  • Question
    How do I practice remembering the word?
    Community Answer
    • Say the word out loud, repeatedly. Of course, you'll also want to both write the word many times to memorize the spelling and repeatedly spell the word out loud.
    Thanks! 133 27
  • Question
    Should I cheat to win a spelling bee contest?
    Community Answer
    • Definitely not. That's unfair to the ones who are trying to win the spelling bee fairly. Also, usually it's difficult to cheat in spelling bees. Don't try it, it'll only result in embarrassment on your part.
    Thanks! 149 39
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Ask a Question
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  • If you have a word list, practice methodically. This will help you learn better if you look over small groups of words at a time.
    4 Helpful?  1
  • Read more often than usual to increase your vocabulary.
    4 Helpful?  0
  • Search for lists of often-misspelled words if a list is not provided to you. Or do it anyway!
    3 Helpful?  0


  • Even if you don’t get the win the first time, keep trying again and again. If you keep studying and learning, you might be able to win in the coming years.[14]
    1 Helpful?  0

About This Article

MA, Education
27 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 91
Updated: April 28, 2019
Views: 167,597
Categories: Featured Articles | Spelling

Reader Success Stories

  • H


    Jan 19, 2017

    "The spelling bee is tomorrow, and since you showed me steps, I think I can improve. My sister and so many smart people are in it."..." more
  • KW

    Karina Wilson

    Mar 7, 2018

    "In my school they chose me to be in the spelling bee, and I obviously wanna win! This is helpful, thanks!"
    Rated this article:
  • NO

    Natasha Olisa

    Jun 7, 2017

    "This is a good article about relaxing, because I know if I stress out, I will get no sleep and forget."
  • MC

    Mia Chen

    Feb 1, 2018

    "Thanks, you guys gave me confidence for today's spelling bee. This was really helpful."
    Rated this article:
  • SS

    Shiwangi Shreya

    Jul 13, 2017

    "This article helped me a lot. I got many ways to study for a spelling bee. Thank you."
  • LE

    Lyra Equa

    Jan 20, 2018

    "I was in the spelling bee at my school and I followed these tips and won! Thank you!"
  • JO

    J. J. O.

    Feb 7, 2017

    "This helped me because we're having an impromptu spelling bee tomorrow. "
  • SS

    Simonee Shukla

    May 30, 2017

    "It really helped me by telling me to be very brave and confident!"
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