Three Bee Words of the Champions
The toughest rule-breakers and oddballs from the championship list. The full Three Bee list runs to 993 words from the 2026 Scripps Words of the Champions — the first 150 are below with example sentences, and the whole list is free to practise with audio once you make an account.
About the Three Bee words of the champions
Three Bee is the championship tier — the words that decide national finals. Many are borrowed intact from Japanese, Sanskrit, Arabic, Yiddish, German, or Italian, and keep spelling conventions English never adopted. Others are technical terms from medicine, botany, and mineralogy. There is no shortcut through this list; spellers who compete at this level study origins, ask every permitted question on stage, and reason from the answers.
Spelling patterns this list drills
- unassimilated borrowings that keep source-language spelling
- Greek combining forms in scientific and medical vocabulary
- eponyms and place-derived words
- words with more than one accepted spelling
How to practise: On stage, ask for the language of origin first. At Three Bee level the origin narrows the possible spellings more than the definition does.
Three Bee words — the first 150 of 993
- à fondadverb
“We decided to play the game à fond, giving it all our energy and enthusiasm.”
- ab aeternoadverb
“The concept of love has existed ab aeterno, influencing countless stories throughout history.”
- abaculusnoun
“The artist used an abaculus in her mosaic to add intricate details to the design.”
- abomasumnoun
“The abomasum is the fourth stomach compartment in ruminants, playing a crucial role in digestion.”
- abraumnoun
“The geologist explained how abraum is often used in mining to describe the waste material.”
- acacianoun
“The acacia tree provided us with shade during our picnic on a hot summer day.”
- accordaturanoun
“The violin's accordatura was adjusted carefully before the performance to ensure a perfect sound.”
- aceitunanoun
“She added aceituna to her salad for a burst of flavor and a touch of Mediterranean cuisine.”
- acerolanoun
“We enjoyed the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh acerola cherries in our fruit salad.”
- acetaminophennoun
“When she had a headache, her mother suggested taking acetaminophen to help relieve the pain.”
- acetonenoun
“In chemistry class, we learned that acetone is often used as a solvent for cleaning purposes.”
- acharyanoun
“The young students admired their acharya for his wisdom and guidance in their studies.”
- Achernarproper noun
“Achernar is one of the brightest stars in the southern hemisphere and can be seen from far away.”
- aciculanoun
“In biology class, we learned that an acicula is a small, needle-like structure found in some animals.”
- acidophilusnoun
“I enjoy yogurt with acidophilus because it helps keep my digestive system healthy.”
- acoelnoun
“The acoel flatworm is known for its unique ability to regenerate lost body parts.”
- acrogerianoun
“Acrogeria is a rare condition where the skin ages prematurely, making it look very thin and fragile.”
- acropachynoun
“The doctor explained that acropachy is often associated with thyroid diseases, affecting the fingers and toes.”
- ad nauseamadverb
“They debated the topic ad nauseam, but finally agreed to disagree and moved on to something more enjoyable.”
- adieunoun
“As the sun set, we said our adieu to the beautiful island, promising to return one day.”
- adscititiousadjective
“The adscititious elements in the artwork added a unique touch that captivated the audience.”
- Aegilopsproper noun
“Researchers study Aegilops to understand its role in the evolution of wheat and other grains.”
- aegrotatnoun
“After missing several classes due to illness, she received an aegrotat to help her pass the course.”
- aerocelenoun
“The doctor explained that an aerocele is a rare condition involving gas-filled cavities in the body.”
- aerophilatelicadjective
“His aerophilatelic collection featured rare stamps from countries all around the world.”
- aes rudenoun
“In art class, we learned about aes rude and how it represents the beauty found in raw, natural materials.”
- Aesculapiusnoun phrase
“In ancient mythology, Aesculapius was revered as the god of medicine and healing.”
- Aesirplural noun
“In Norse mythology, the Aesir are the main gods who reside in Asgard and govern the cosmos.”
- aethaliumnoun
“In her biology class, she learned that an aethalium is a type of spore-producing structure found in certain fungi.”
- affichenoun
“The colorful affiche advertising the upcoming concert caught everyone's attention as they walked by.”
- agitpropnoun
“The theater's latest production was filled with agitprop that aimed to raise awareness about social issues.”
- Aglaianoun
“Aglaia, the muse of beauty, inspired the artist to create a stunning piece that captured the essence of nature.”
- agrypnianoun
“Despite his struggle with agrypnia, he managed to stay focused on his studies.”
- ahimsanoun
“The principle of ahimsa teaches us to live in harmony with all living beings.”
- ahuatlenoun
“At the market, I was excited to try ahuatle, a tasty dish made from the eggs of the water lily.”
- Ahuehuetenoun
“The Ahuehuete tree, known for its towering height, has stood for centuries in the heart of the ancient forest.”
- Ahura Mazdanoun
“In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is revered as the supreme god of wisdom and light.”
- ailanthusnoun
“The ailanthus tree, often called the tree of heaven, can grow in challenging urban environments.”
- aileronnoun
“The pilot adjusted the aileron to help the plane turn smoothly in the air.”
- ailettenoun
“The knight wore an ailette on his armor to show his family's crest.”
- aistopodnoun
“The aistopod is a fascinating creature that scientists study to learn about the evolution of vertebrates.”
- Aitutakianadjective
“The Aitutakian people have a rich culture that includes traditional dances and songs.”
- ajimeznoun
“The architect used ajimez to design beautiful arches that added elegance to the building.”
- akkumnoun
“The researcher studied the properties of akkum to better understand its potential uses in technology.”
- alateadjective
“The alate form of the insect emerged from the colony, ready to find a new home and start a family.”
- alcarrazanoun
“The artist painted a beautiful still life that included an alcarraza, showcasing its unique shape and design.”
- Alfvénproper noun
“Hannes Alfvén was awarded the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in plasma physics.”
- alisiernoun
“The artist used an alisier to create a delicate layer of texture on the canvas.”
- alleluiaticadjective
“The choir's alleluiatic performance filled the church with joy and lifted the spirits of everyone present.”
- allochroousadjective
“The allochroous butterfly displayed a stunning array of colors that changed as it fluttered in the sunlight.”
- almuerzonoun
“During our trip to Spain, we enjoyed a hearty almuerzo that included fresh bread and olives.”
- alouattenoun
“The alouatte monkeys can be heard howling in the trees during early morning.”
- alpargatanoun
“She wore her favorite alpargata shoes to the picnic because they were comfortable and stylish.”
- altazimuthnoun
“The telescope was mounted on an altazimuth mount, allowing for precise tracking of celestial objects.”
- amaryllisnoun
“The bright red amaryllis blooms in winter, bringing color to the otherwise dreary season.”
- amertoynoun
“The artist created a stunning sculpture using an amertoy that captured everyone's attention.”
- amour proprenoun
“His amour propre was evident when he graciously accepted compliments about his artwork.”
- amphistylaradjective
“The amphistylar temple featured columns on both the front and back, making it a unique architectural marvel.”
- amuse-gueulenoun
“At the fancy restaurant, they served an amuse-gueule that delighted our taste buds before the main course.”
- anabathmoinoun
“In ancient literature, the anabathmoi were often depicted as sacred places of ascension.”
- anaphylaxisnoun
“Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.”
- anathemanoun
“For her, the idea of giving up on her dreams was anathema, and she pursued them relentlessly.”
- ancien régimenoun
“The novel explores the lives of characters during the ancien régime in France.”
- andouillenoun
“The chef added andouille sausage to the gumbo, giving it a spicy and flavorful kick.”
- anemonenoun
“The colorful sea anemone swayed gently with the ocean currents, providing shelter to small fish.”
- angiitisnoun
“The doctor explained that angiitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can affect circulation.”
- aniseikonianoun
“Aniseikonia can cause visual discomfort and distortion due to differences in perceived image size.”
- Anno Hegiraeadverb
“The Islamic calendar is based on the Anno Hegirae, marking the migration of Muhammad to Medina.”
- anomalipedadjective
“The scientist discovered an anomaliped creature that walked on an unusual number of legs.”
- anosognosianoun
“Anosognosia can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their own health conditions.”
- antenatusnoun
“The scientist studied the antenatus of the rare species to understand its unique developmental stages.”
- Antiguageographical name
“On our vacation, we visited Antigua and marveled at its stunning beaches and vibrant culture.”
- Apabhramsaproper noun
“The study of Apabhramsa revealed fascinating insights into the evolution of regional languages.”
- ape-apenoun
“In the art gallery, I admired the intricate painting of the ape-ape swinging through the jungle.”
- aperçunoun
“After reading the report, I had a quick aperçu of the project's main goals.”
- aphasianoun
“After the accident, he struggled with aphasia, making it difficult for him to find the right words.”
- Apistogrammanoun
“In the aquarium, the Apistogramma swam gracefully among the colorful plants, showcasing its vibrant colors.”
- apocryphaladjective
“Many stories about ancient heroes are apocryphal, blending fact with fiction.”
- apophygenoun
“The architect admired the elegant apophyge of the ancient column, which added a touch of grace to the structure.”
- Apostolicinoun
“The teachings of the Apostolici emphasize the importance of community and shared values.”
- Appaloosanoun
“The Appaloosa horse is known for its distinctive spotted coat and gentle temperament.”
- appetitostnoun
“The chef's latest creation was so delicious that it left everyone feeling appetitost long after the meal was over.”
- aprèspreposition
“We decided to go for ice cream après the long hike in the beautiful mountains.”
- Aramaicnoun
“Aramaic was widely spoken in ancient times and is known as the language of Jesus.”
- Ardhamagadhiproper noun
“He was fascinated by the Ardhamagadhi script and spent hours learning how to read its unique characters.”
- Ardipithecusproper noun
“Ardipithecus is one of the earliest known hominids that walked on two legs.”
- ardoisenoun
“During the art class, we used an ardoise to sketch our designs before painting them.”
- arenaceousadjective
“The arenaceous landscape was dotted with golden sand dunes that stretched as far as the eye could see.”
- aretalogynoun
“Her interest in aretalogy led her to explore the meanings behind various ancient myths and legends.”
- as nasnoun
“The singer's voice was as nas as a gentle breeze on a summer evening.”
- ascitesnoun
“The doctor explained that ascites can cause swelling in the abdomen due to fluid buildup.”
- aspidistranoun
“In the corner of the room, the aspidistra thrived despite the low light and neglect.”
- astaxanthinnoun
“Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in certain algae and seafood that can benefit health.”
- astilbenoun
“The garden was adorned with beautiful astilbe, their feathery plumes adding a touch of elegance.”
- Asuranoun
“In Hindu mythology, the Asura are often depicted as powerful beings who oppose the gods.”
- asyleenoun
“The organization provides assistance to each asylee seeking refuge from their war-torn homeland.”
- attaccaadverb
“The conductor signaled the orchestra to play attacca, seamlessly transitioning into the next movement.”
- au bleuadjective
“The chef served the fish au bleu, giving it a beautiful presentation that impressed all the guests.”
- au courantadjective
“He always seems au courant with the latest trends in technology and fashion.”
- au jusadjective
“The chef served the roast beef au jus, allowing the rich gravy to enhance the dish's flavor.”
- auwainoun
“The auwai system in Hawaii is essential for managing water resources in agriculture.”
- avgolemononoun
“Avgolemono is a delicious Greek soup made with eggs and lemon.”
- azoteanoun
“We enjoyed a lovely evening on the azotea, overlooking the city as the sun set.”
- azulejonoun
“The vibrant azulejo tiles adorned the courtyard, showcasing intricate designs and bright colors.”
- baboen
“The baboen is a unique creature that lives in the forest.”
- baccate
“The baccate fruit looked delicious and ready to be picked.”
- bagwyn
“The bagwyn is a mythical creature with a goat-like appearance.”
- bahrgeographical name
“The bahr flowed gently through the valley, providing a serene backdrop for our picnic.”
- bailiwicknoun
“Her bailiwick is art, and she loves to create new paintings.”
- balatanoun
“The artisan used balata to create a unique and durable surface for the handmade table.”
- balbriggannoun
“She wore her favorite balbriggan socks, soft and warm against her skin on a chilly morning.”
- baleennoun
“The whale's baleen plates filtered the tiny shrimp from the ocean water as it fed gracefully.”
- banh minoun
“I had a delicious banh mi sandwich for lunch.”
- Barnumesquebiographical name
“The artist's latest work was so Barnumesque that it reminded everyone of the whimsical and fantastical circus performances.”
- Bartókianadjective
“The concert featured a Bartókian piece that captivated the audience with its unique rhythms.”
- Barylambdaproper noun
“Barylambda was a giant mammal that lived millions of years ago.”
- bas-reliefnoun
“The artist created a beautiful bas-relief on the wall.”
- batamotenoun
“During the festival, the batamote was a popular dish that everyone wanted to try.”
- battuenoun
“We went on a battue to help gather the fallen leaves in the yard.”
- Baucisnoun
“In the story, Baucis and Philemon were rewarded for their kindness and hospitality to the gods disguised as travelers.”
- bauxitenoun
“Bauxite is a type of rock that is used to make aluminum.”
- bavardagenoun
“The friends enjoyed some bavardage while sitting in the park.”
- Beauceronnoun
“The Beauceron is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it an excellent working dog.”
- beaumontagenoun
“The artist's beaumontage captured the essence of the bustling city in a unique way.”
- Beaux artsplural noun
“The museum showcased stunning Beaux arts architecture, captivating visitors with its grandeur.”
- beccaficonoun
“For dinner, we savored beccafico, a traditional dish that celebrated the flavors of the region.”
- Bêche-de-Mernoun
“The Bêche-de-Mer is a special type of sea creature that lives in the ocean.”
- becquerelnoun
“The scientists measured the radioactive material in becquerels to assess its safety.”
- ben trovatoadjective
“His story was charming and had a ben trovato twist at the end.”
- Beowulfnoun
“The epic poem Beowulf tells the story of a brave hero who battles monsters and dragons.”
- berceusenoun
“The soothing melody of the berceuse lulled the baby to sleep in her crib.”
- bergèrenoun
“She sat comfortably in the bergère, reading her favorite book by the window.”
- Bernoulli effectnoun
“The Bernoulli effect explains how airplane wings generate lift as they move through the air.”
- Bessemerbiographical name
“The Bessemer process helped make steel more efficiently.”
- bêtisenoun
“Making a bêtise, like spilling juice on the floor, can happen to anyone.”
- betonynoun
“Betony is a plant that many people use for herbal remedies.”
- Bewusstseinslagenoun
“In her psychology class, they discussed the concept of Bewusstseinslage and how it relates to our awareness of surroundings.”
- Bezier curve
“The artist used a Bezier curve to create smooth shapes in her design.”
- bhangranoun
“We learned to dance bhangra during the cultural festival.”
- bhikshuninoun
“The bhikshuni dedicated her life to meditation and helping others find peace.”
- bibelotnoun
“My grandmother has a beautiful bibelot on her shelf that sparkles in the sunlight.”
- bibimbapnoun
“At the Korean restaurant, I ordered bibimbap, and it was a colorful dish topped with vegetables and a fried egg.”
- bisbigliandonoun
“As they walked through the quiet library, they could hear the soft bisbigliando of whispered conversations.”
- bismillah
“Before we start our meal, we say bismillah to bless our food.”
- blatherskitenoun
“Sometimes my little brother talks so much that he sounds like a blatherskite.”
- blottesqueadjective
“The artist's latest painting was blottesque, with vibrant colors splashed across the canvas.”
- bobolinknoun
“The bobolink sang sweetly from the top of the tall grass.”
- Bohairicproper noun
“In art class, we learned about the Bohairic script used by ancient Egyptians.”
- Boisegeographical name
“We decided to take a road trip to Boise, eager to explore the charming downtown area.”
- Bologneseadjective
“For dinner, we had spaghetti with a delicious Bolognese sauce.”
That's the first 150 of 993 Three Bee words. The rest of the list — with audio pronunciation, graduated hints, and progress tracking — is free with an account.
Unlock all 993 Three Bee words — freeQuestions about this list
How many words are on the Three Bee list?
993 words. Three Bee is one of the three levels of the Scripps Words of the Champions study list. This page shows the first 150; the complete list is free to practise with a BrosLearn account.
Who should study the Three Bee list?
Three Bee is the championship tier — the words that decide national finals. Many are borrowed intact from Japanese, Sanskrit, Arabic, Yiddish, German, or Italian, and keep spelling conventions English never adopted. Others are technical terms from medicine, botany, and mineralogy. There is no shortcut through this list; spellers who compete at this level study origins, ask every permitted question on stage, and reason from the answers.
How should I study Three Bee words?
On stage, ask for the language of origin first. At Three Bee level the origin narrows the possible spellings more than the definition does.