bead 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēd How to pronounce bead (audio)
Definition of beadnext
as in glob
the quantity of fluid that falls naturally in one rounded mass squeeze a bead or two of glue onto the seam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

bead

2 of 2

verb

as in to pearl

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bead
Noun
Now imagine that each bead carries a tiny battery that continuously gives it a gentle push along the chain. — K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Brushes with beads that tug at your strands and feel rough on the scalp? — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The protective barrier causes water to bead up and roll off, preventing mineral deposits and stains. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Enroll in a Craft Class Many crafts stores offer hands-on activities for kids like scrapbooking, box decorating, bead stringing, pottery, and more. — Robin Westen, Parents, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bead
  1. glob
  2. pearl
  3. droplet
  4. pellet
  5. drip
  6. lump
  7. drop
  8. sphere
Noun
  • But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the week, nightstands tend to collect books, cups, charging cords, and the occasional water ring and glob of lotion residue, too.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Definition of glob
Verb
  • The discovery and export of hydrocarbons in the 20th century transformed relatively small maritime trading and pearling societies into high-income states integrated into global energy markets.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
  • In the summer of 2024, while visiting my grandmother in China, my husband gave me a pearl ring and asked if we could be pearled.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of pearl
Noun
  • Spray cooling covers a surface with fine droplets that absorb heat and evaporate.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, spreading the virus through respiratory droplets.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of droplet
Verb
  • The cold air is the same, and the snow pellets my cap, sifts under my collar.
    — Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
  • The technique has produced delicious, consistent results from campsites in Big Sur, California, and Baja, Mexico—and in everything from frying oil to pellet grills to standard home ovens.
    — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024
Definition of pellet
Noun
  • Both multidisciplinary artists, the couple not only exhibit immaculate drip through self-styling, but also collaborate on their own designs, turning out boldly-colored and highly wearable basics through their namesake idea factory, Coker Studio.
    — VIBE, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Clean Up Sugary Spills Sugary drips and spills can harden and be tough to remove.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of drip
Verb
  • Cyber stocks late last year and into 2026 were being lumped into the awful enterprise software trade.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The baseball-size crabcake arrives at your table, its jumbo lumps glistening and broiled to a gentle golden brown.
    — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of lump
Noun
  • The surprise drop kicked off a 60-day countdown for the re-issue.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Smooth it through damp hair before styling or use a few drops on dry lengths for an extra hit of shine and polish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Verb
  • The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2023
  • But with those four, Grande was able to establish her credibility in the fragrance sphere early in her music career.
    — Emily Jensen, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Nov. 2022
Definition of sphere

Browse Nearby Words

beacons
bead
beaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bead. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on bead

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All