2 O 2 1

CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS OF THE WORDS!

gladiolus
[glad-ee-OHL-us]
noun

stichomythia bougainvillea
[sti-kuh-MITH-ee-uh] [boo-gun-VIL-yuh]
noun noun

eudaemonic vouchsafe
[yoo-dee-MAHN-ik] [vauch-SAYF]
adjective verb

staphylococci
[sta-fuh-loh-KAHK-sahy]
plural noun

chlorophyll appoggiatura fibranne

[KLOR-uh-fil] [uh-pah-juh-TOO-ruh] [FAHY-bran]
noun noun noun
interlocutory
[in-tur-LAHK-yuh-tor-ee]
adjective

cymotrichous
[sahy-MAH-tri-kus]
adjective

insouciant smaragdine
[in-SOO-see-unt] [smuh-RAG-dun]
adjective adjective

logorrhea
[lah-guh-REE-uh]
noun
 GREETINGS, CHAMPIONS!

About this Study Guide

Do you dream of winning a school spelling bee, or even attending the Scripps National Spelling Bee? Words of the
Champions is the official study resource of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, so you’ve found the perfect place to start.
Prepare for a 2020 or 2021 classroom, grade-level, school, district, county, regional or state spelling bee with this list of
4,000 words.

All words in this book have been selected by the Scripps National Spelling Bee from our official dictionary, Merriam-
Webster Unabridged (http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com).

Words of the Champions is divided into three difficulty levels, ranked One Bee (800 words), Two Bee (2,100 words) and
Three Bee (1,200 words). These are great words to challenge you, whether you’re just getting started in spelling bees or
if you’ve already participated in several. At the beginning of each level, you’ll find the School Spelling Bee Study List words.
For any classroom, grade-level or school spelling bee, study the 150-word One Bee School Spelling Bee Study List, the
150-word Two Bee School Spelling Bee Study List and the 150-word Three Bee School Spelling Bee Study List: a total of 450
words.

Following the School Spelling Bee Study List in each level, you’ll find pages marked “Words of the Champions.” Are you a
school spelling bee champion or a speller advancing to compete beyond the school level? Study these pages to make sure
you’re prepared to do your best when these words are asked in the early rounds of competition. And remember,
although spelling bees will start with words from this guide, they often end with words you haven’t studied.

Each year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee will release a new version of Words of the Champions featuring 800 new
words, including an all-new School Spelling Bee Study List.

Your spelling bee journey starts now, and taking the first step toward becoming a star athlete of the English language
makes you a Champion. These Words are for you.

About the Scripps National Spelling Bee

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program. The purpose of the
Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and
develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the
Bee and to check if your school is enrolled. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is administered on a not-for-profit basis by
The E.W. Scripps Company.
DIFFICULTY
LEVEL
ONE BEE

1
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ONE BEE
School Spelling Bee Study List

gel day scorch hear sizzle jotted

train upset motor sprint hatchling swirled
sport father talking awe razz amount
rich jam money afar followed sighed
eel mugs couch bowl purple sheen
fans fair nibble sweat entire worse
dome dinner strands cost December sandwich
tall rats chapter sleek sudden duo
better fed chess bottle slither gleaming
hit sir slimy smart combed repress
peanut boom squeak stared patrol clothes
cake wave friend plopped epic either
bite trunk laptop darted vital rely
noon sleepy movie angry window chose
gummy full known sidekick pocket belle
sting huge suffer stuff project else
ray born double least goofy picture
dusk jumping watch little remember prepare
mops damp ahoy felt travel percent
thanks from dream summer cranky afraid
dash hunch whine carefully career rescue
skin each beans would disease
star shade child shambles trophy
began ribs space taillight theater
grew forever princess quicken OR theatre
fine freeze piper presence athlete

Great Words, Great Works Reading Program

Each year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee publishes our School Spelling Bee Study List to help students prepare for classroom and
school-level spelling bees. These words come from a list of books carefully selected by the Bee’s editorial team. That list of books is called
Great Words, Great Works. Find it at spellingbee.com/book-list.

2
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ONE BEE
Words of the Champions

gradual bedlam gargantuan gimmick monopolize target

ferocious shortfall salsa flannel water angora
frequently cowlick chaotic cucumber marathon snippet
permission opinionated shrimp McMansion omission ascribe
towel slogan mandate janitor newbie hodgepodge
sundae triumphant turret lionize spreadsheet verbiage
ornament parenthetic pigeon headdress badger nephew
rooster listener satellite ludicrous fortification imbibe
scold guardian parasite pear hydra savvy
organza dwindled favorite system grouse reckon
fragile fraught OR *favourite pedigree manta boorish
galaxy sturdy cascade empty astonish tarmac
complaint treadmill dandelion amulet fashionista iteration
curries originate famous guess stubble nurture
tennis forfend pristine magician genius volcano
grumbling OR forefend golden carrot nuance forensics
garlic eavesdrop modesty meteor stencil miraculous
hula January amphibian distraught penguin trendy
reactionary scruple jealousy freight freckle permafrost
muscular moxie remedial honeybee blooper iceberg
drizzle winnow vouch blemish misconception cactus
accurate incentive trivia crumpet lambkin nationalism
studio admirer shoulder blizzard chowder leeway
illusionist emotional zebra squirm sunflower pilferer
genetic chia butterscotch harmonious lambasted rollicking
levity raspberry apron lawyer volumetric quart
moisture bogus beagle valiant flattery lactose
toughness recoup kidney purse simmer domineering
tasteless bookworm wistful raisin whisk onion
astute veteran raven trumpet bathtub abandon
turtle erase fructose bias fantastically vault
Pinkerton handcuffs Amazon lettuce failure junior
fortune spinal companion shamrock tolerable hamlet
sluggard demolition panorama Americana mosquito jubilant

In Good Company
When it comes to spelling bee participants, the more the merrier! In fact, more than 11 million spellers participate each yearh in qualifying
spelling bees throughout the country and around the world.

*chiefly British spelling

3
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ONE BEE
Words of the Champions

thawed mince puzzles lounge gnash calzone

uncle bubbly scumble supper knuckle bawl
dawdle graham extinct explosive bribery circle
mogul headlong jersey cajole glucose respect
troll timber trapezoid bauble mower introverted
kindred medallion dillydally happenstance campus fuddy-duddy
tantrum maximum haggle tussle infant pulley
science clover sword inched thunderbolt Kodiak
cement casino mastiff dimension despicable misinterpret
venomous distinctive cooperate ugliness elderly twee
plaintiff mister merchandise quack amigo holiday
mayhem warning gauntlet spider bestow indigo
thicket useful apology weather gung ho forage
gymnastics difficult carnival twinge umbrella tooth
island mischief buffoonery poncho synthetic dauntlessly
peacenik talent intellectual hooligan cloying faucet
ounce kiwi tickled decade olive scheme
memorandum publish domino forbidden truth cough
bother mutter ignite jumbo balderdash straw
missile sedentary legacy mortal infringe hooves
munchkin divine splurge bugaboo interloper shadow
banana lexicon neigh standard routine meekness
furnace bristle cabbage yearn privacy squall
foothills daresay erode primatologist decision OR squawl
tongue owlishly formalize voluntary farfetched omen
caterpillar criminal OR *formalise furious linen militant
wasp recipient anyway wombat piratical civics
kudos strong isolation marginalize pigsty locker
alpha canteen measly swipe misery jabberwocky
shebang aviation apprehensive eternity months detention
tibia lucky zither imagery guffaw sparkle
hazelnut rocket lamentable pastel caravan calico
votive reflect brilliant twice culinary theme
lantern scent competitive megahertz boycott literacy

Cruising the Airwaves

The first broadcast of the Bee wasn’t on television — it was on radio! It wasn’t until 1946 that it was first televised. ESPN started airing the
Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1994.

*chiefly British spelling

4
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ONE BEE
Words of the Champions

loathe sofa webisode dough tiger selfie

axle eggplant kangaroo emperor romaine skydiving
glimmer kosher Romeo utterable migraine memes
vacation minority emerge leniency oasis nuggets
napkin default twitchy frivolous navigator frailty
overrun heroic arrogant potato humane sweltering
yellowfin bombard normative wholehearted polenta scrounge
clodhopper furtive homework metadata delicacy praise
crayon journal mildew farewell noggin scripture
bakery tulip pattern hypnotic background ulna
porridge myself coffee jewel thistle fellowship
eyelet marine botch tangible ***althorn amass
yeti cloudy receptacle nourish Spaniel missive
groove cricket bagpipe vulpine kilt jitterbug
estimate motto bonfire aloha whirlybird kennel
cattail torch abruptly entrance Hungary heavenly
paraphrase pamper bushel kindergarten welding shindig
heartthrob pleasant skedaddle restaurant aforesaid melody
cheek robin toddler functionary varnish membership
daughter historical everglades dodge spindle oblong
laser rules pellet iota wheedle yammer
invoke geometric klutz gelato whelp whereas
upshot villa envoy hankering yonder coercive
climate midriff postpone esteem riffraff bailiff
Yankee teaspoon wafer knack restive infiltrate
dim sum worrywart software satisfactory various skirmish
moose developer factoid barefoot giggle constituent
cuckoo shopaholic marvelous trope bowie flounder
dilemma magma OR marvellous knock teemed cleave
outrageous briefcase evince whittle soppiness millionaire
silver deputy season joyful bask concrete
fedora mangrove horizon genuine lateral slurry
wildcat enfranchise arborio recluse usher heiress
monstrosity kiln cartoon shield prone reign

Guinness World Record Holders

Did you know the 2019 Octochamps hold a Guinness World Record for Most winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in a single
competition? Prior to 2019, the most winners there had ever been at a single event was two – most recently in 2016.

***Beginning at this point, all the words remaining in the One Bee section are new to the 2021 version of Words of the Champions.
5
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ONE BEE
Words of the Champions

spectral tawny contraction camcorder groom peat

dialect scalp scooter gossip trice harrowing
heist scrapple acceptance version brick hobble
avenue nominee rugby fluid privet peddle
pending martial shore vlogging debunk effortless
ewe acumen yippee diversity ballad moped
stagestruck infirm wand spangled chide groats
standee bleary Merlin barbie atonement Highlands
sailage attitude carnation delta citation
yoo-hoo beseech neaten handyman hardtack
profiteer sunseeker depose stewardship rabid
kernel cornily frock gruel teenagers

A Big Time Spellebrity

If you’ve watched the Bee on ESPN, you’ve probably seen his face. You’ve definitely heard his voice. We’re talking about the official
pronouncer of the Bee, Dr. Jacques Bailly. He won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1980 and
took up the role of pronouncer in 2003.

6
DIFFICULTY
LEVEL
TWO BEE

7
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
School Spelling Bee Study List

antsy OR *humour bracelet cruel dolce ancestors

hover mention inwardly schedule opus convulsive
billow spoken mobility goblins pedestrian jasper
posh record eddy splutter snorkels berth
Canada bridge fanged convince lullaby deference
toga pinpoint bough grateful FORTRAN detergent
bison wisdom listlessly gesture tangents sheathed
strum slate cautioned formation expression mantle
dangerous drape flurry previous violin streamlet
pluck countless glisten imposing binary strait
squid hideout accuse complicated semicolon congratulate
Frisbee ruins drowsy unnoticed patent fountain
teeter Mexico scoff agreement incantations curtly
chives glazed opposite dappled treble garish
rallies scanner instrument rustle Baltic gilded
pastry oncoming blissfully chef ventured contingent
coveralls flimsy coarse crease deities swerve
ponytail launch activists whales feta president
clatter rubble commute mislead proverb depths
snout tourists cocoa subtitles indecipherable Oregon
tumbling laughter nutrients fragment podium purpose
cradle window scarcely retreat terraced
firefly meeting stretcher implore Aztec
serious plush lairs lento laboratory
banners helmet hybrid Scandinavia sinister
humor whimper mustard haggis runes

Our Purpose
The purpose of the Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English
usage that will help them all their lives.

*chiefly British spelling

8
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

hexagonal unabated beaucoup endorphin cinnamon abrogate

litmus petrifying banal pharmacy pharaoh effusive
seethe specimen seismologist fondant opponency primitive
antiquarian interlocutor spectacles cupola referendum fabulist
phalanges machete innovator herbaceous quaver comportment
bachelorette dulcet bursary tentativeness rabbinic taciturn
frontier salubrious hallowed pachinko lapel sophomoric
unctuous rotisserie apogee decrepitude mackerel laureate
fluoride **paneer hiatus redux callow Goliath
moorage OR panir freesia dramaturgy biscuit splenetic
Minotaur omnibus exoneration murmuration flourish legato
intermezzo biscotti duvet Clydesdale beatific slovenly
edification calibrate turpitude phonics repository aerobics
vacuousness appellation platitude calisthenics dissipate paisley
epilepsy duodenum nobiliary obediential accomplice contrariwise
importunate valorous commerce odiferous kerchief petroleum
recuperation OR *valourous keratitis combination whimsical regalia
citronella isotopic honorific torrent stamina incinerate
palliative carpal OR *honourific arsenic criteria flagon
abhorrence quizzical kookaburra invertebrate reprieve incoherent
personnel heliotrope napoleon **bandanna consequent tercentenary
vexatious squander superlative OR bandana contusion vituperative
faux prenuptial oxygenate manipulable mulligan churlish
sophisticated succulent annihilate axiomatic sabermetrics riviera
nebulous bedraggled sarcophagus indefatigable elocution laconic
genus rectitude surrogate ulterior dowager excision
legionnaire uranium terabyte oligarchy comparison emblazoned
sternutation inundate uncouth pianola diaphanous bric-a-brac
subcutaneous wunderkind onerous dignify agoraphobia longitude
alacrity filial macrocosm allegiance buffet maverick
choreographer wearisome bulbous basaltic tortoise retrograde
leguminous visage umpirage scorpion surmountable partridge
ceramics fascinator heredity planetarium endure insignia
mimetic testimony philharmonic ecstatic bonobo binomial

Who Knew?
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program.

*chiefly British spelling

**preferred spelling
9
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

luminance demographics lupine ingenuous chancellor trefoil

adjective Jurassic resuscitate phonetician pauper designer
elucidate myoglobin approbatory macular epoch leisure
spatula frugal catalepsy simpatico dumbwaiter vague
triglycerides achromatic labyrinthine adhesion allergenic wharf
stalwart miscible notoriety rennet vocabulary altercation
bumptious soprano subterranean pinnacle vassal fratority
farcical cutis aubergine avalanche panary cataclysmic
ghastly hyrax jalapeño cadge tangerine metatarsal
parkour truncheon attributive exodus pervasive bereavement
fealty educand plutonomy philosophize haphazard carbohydrates
perilous Realtor lobotomy Requiem legislature sesame
steroid billabong assumption glitterati shenanigans palatable
gullibility bariatrics entrepreneur transference inclusion gratis
tarantula throughout besieged uveal physicists nonvolatile
cantankerous propulsion placoderm candelabrum tempura juvenilia
vitriolic assailant hermitage vacillate reggae fomentation
crinoline charioteer permutation phenotype futility reprisal
debris solicit conference transposable untenable astrobleme
armaments melismatic woebegone thrasonical feudalism sabotage
versatile spurious resplendence trepanation malevolent absolution
subtlety tempeh aphasia Holstein posada rutabaga
hangar statistician environs quadrillion acquiesce espousal
verbena ibuprofen celebratory tardigrade apothecary virulence
zirconium injurious cornucopia varsity summary allocable
ventriloquy anglophile prominent scholarship brogue effraction
circumflex defiant archetype filbert suet limousine
calligram substitute travails Galahad koto drupiferous
eczema quiddity antipathy jadeite jingoism organelle
theomachy karst leviathan peripheral satchel osprey
fibula Brigadoon alpaca elevator evanescent elusive
aberration vestibule duress chaperonage diverge disproportionate
necrotic ballyhooed eucalyptus frittata exemplar cayenne
eminent arpeggio rambunctious vandalize marsupial tabernacle

Did You Know?

In 2002, the Bee introduced the written test at the national finals for the first time. The vocabulary portion of the test came along in 2013.

10
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

phosphorescent beguile temerity impasto bifurcate deglaciation

anxiety centenary egress antagonistic drivel recruit
conch matrimony geocaching affront jettison tableau
singultus errata instigate element Promethean sheldrake
impromptu stipulate obscure desolate embassy suitable
oracle naïveté transcription truncate contemptuous cenotaph
condemn OR naiveté muchacha pedicure okapi Plumeria
scenographer cadence steppe **caftan welterweight perpetrator
neuroticism fido palpitant OR kaftan scrooge cinematic
cannoli vehicular nonchalance ingratiate morose wallaby
platoon sabbatical realm sousaphone osmosis contrivance
solstice ermine estuary amalgam flimflammer suffrage
swannery pugilist technician carnage astringent thyme
probative tapioca dietetic turmeric mademoiselle phlebotomy
oblique festooned homage zoolatry nouveau anemic
buoyancy tectonic cumulus ricochet heterochromia OR anaemic
situation wizened essential hackneyed consul depravity
lumbar tomfoolery seraphic vespertine hermetically effervescent
topiary harrumph cameist **brusque excursion soirée
reverberant embezzlement scrumptiously OR brusk dreadlocks OR soiree
yeanling fallacy toploftical erstwhile theriatrics churros
homicide asylum noctambulist lolled cumbersome diadem
graphologist remuneration visibility osteopath affluent larceny
principality expostulate ligament kaiser chastise acetaminophen
Nostradamus integument plenitude imperious colic parochial
taxonomic Hebrides illustrious Egyptian atomic earnestly
beret macaw symmetrical foible fêng shui **gaffe
talisman perspicacious pendulous lousicide acuity OR gaff
impecunious reimbursable analepsis ewer subliminal ostensibly
reciprocity jambalaya mitigative curfew charismatic nervily
molecule geriatric pyrite schism phoenix gingivitis
millennial striation sacrifice dilapidated bastion patience
ineffable Appaloosa consternation peony edamame quittance
abnegation ramifications escalator urgency porcelain tenement

From Around the World

Most spellers at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are from the United States, but spellers also come from American Samoa, Guam, Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea and Department of Defense Schools in Europe.

**preferred spelling
11
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

soothsayer veracity vignette facade remorseful adieu

varicose marionette adjudicate OR façade cybernetics tenaciously
adage Neapolitan caricature evaporation garniture indemnity
cicada chintzy emerald bittern twilight cyanosis
mauve genteel liege flotsam proletarian regurgitate
emeritus requisition wilco discombobulate vantage stegosaur
suture stimuli germane scrutiny discountenance statuesque
obfuscate schooner bacteriolytic concatenate stupefy nectarine
casualty declamatory rhododendron impeachable irrevocable galvanize
perseverance embryo ineptitude residue trellis agonistic
apparatus languorous academese halibut juxtapose rosin
myopic stevia registrar spectrometer hydrangea burial
ebullience phycology alma mater circadian slalom bulwark
clairvoyance malaise comedienne servitude corollary iridescent
impetus staid cutaneous traverse étude quince
affianced acerbity gnarled tungsten cranium cyclone
archaism inimical hydroponic vineyard equivalent usurper
commodious kaleidoscope combustible interrogative portentous phraseology
austere gluttonous factorial scullery nepotism caramel
severance gypsum dolma tiramisu truffle pecuniary
financier polypeptide sapphire exaggerate varicella cornea
wildebeest wushu prevenient enoki tonsillitis resilience
asado contradictory Edenic profundity thoracic apiary
limpa penitentiary tributary mantra proviso ronin
adolescence umbrage laudatory escarole netiquette tropical
menagerie crustaceans jitney nanotechnology paucity pontiff
hallucinate bubonic wattage bureau doldrums omniscient
opprobrious sartorial papillon burglarious slumgullion capacity
nocturnal escarpment vertigo cryptozoa valedictorian sewage
redolent Celsius accumulate preponderance auspices epoxy
vendage dialysis deltoidal bruxism elaborative discreetly
entente humidistat opulent psychoanalysis proprietary sieve
boomslang sardonic paramecium calendar **nascent trounce
circuitous braille monochrome reiterate OR naissant hydrophobia

The First Bee

In 1925, the first national spelling bee was organized by the Louisville Courier-Journal with a total of nine spellers. Frank Neuhauser won the
championship title after correctly spelling “gladiolus.”

**preferred spelling
12
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

ingot brethren inclement justiciable pageantry sandal

nubuck tympanum celery vernal vinegar pashmina
jocularity fisticuffs idiosyncratic aardvark fiduciary utilitarian
unfurl propinquity burgoo census emulsify millivolt
calculator epidermis occupancy stagflation lorikeet herringbone
corduroy carriage coriander brontophobia malfeasance orchestra
encore abstemious amnesty macrobiotics sequential phlox
hollyhock echinoderm condensation glareous intersperse tractability
qualms optimum aqueduct rejuvenate numerology montage
mosaic pathogen ferret tubular Paleozoic compendium
centipede acrostic widdershins dodecahedron funnel unmoored
attendee anthropology hostile rictus syndicate yardang
nomenclature cruciferous subsequent vengeance chrysalis fluctuation
botany macchiato whet modular bethesda flabbergast
Holocaust ancillary blatant kleptocrat cartilage accolade
augment toile pyramid neuropathy coeval connivery
acoustic plaudits terminus surrealist curio impresario
eruption serenade agitation secession ombudsman bruschetta
auburn heptad tremulous digression hydrant dictum
virtually engineer scythe intricate zeppelin premonition
glissando pilcrow duplicitous annotate superficiality stereotypical
stomach porosity protectorate vehemence marooned bergamot
demonstrative tandoori placards fervorous **volary telepathic
megalomaniac succumb corral septennial OR volery banquet
posse fervently credulity hypotenuse follicle upbraid
declension divestiture dissonance emancipatory brochure pancreas
berserk roseola shoji supine grotesqueness expunge
cathedral installation auditorium fracas privatim maize
deciduous harbinger reconcilable disrepair eradicate metastasize
baleen raptatorial evaluate photogenic krypton quintessential
Einstein sobriety mastodon rehearsal ethanol pollutant
municipal manumit denticulate irritability quadriceps brouhaha
adversaria dentifrice supplicate vainglorious tachycardia pedantry
turbinado collegiality torsion ataxia triceratops performance

Did You Know?

The Scripps National Spelling Bee was featured in the 2002 Academy Award-nominated documentary Spellbound.

**preferred spelling
13
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

equivocate mahogany documentary capillary flambé clemency

fission moribund bromide disposition patronymic backgammon
boondoggle recriminatory algae remonstrance odometer intuitable
phylum subaqueous reminiscent smithereens uvula divvy
hypochondria recusancy menial curator enumerated fatuously
obstetrician retrocedence Moroccan judicious desertification fraudulent
replete cauterize clearance vice versa quirky necessity
raucous immolate assure exercise arraign piety
Brandywine résumé compatriots civet elegant veritable
surreptitious extensive liaise pancetta minacious sashay
surplus transcend quotidian waiver vindictive sciatica
impediment freneticism matriculation decennial implacable discomfiture
revenant merino revulsive dynamite logarithmic emphysema
topgallant pestilence gaucho Gemini regicide stridency
clandestine mordant capsule retinol hubris acetone
genealogical posthumous tragedian corpulent hibernaculum cerebellum
pomposity QWERTY fajitas potpourri bandicoot pantomime
neonatology foosball felonious pallor malinger prima donna
pituitary accentuate palatial Yorkshire parliamentary praxis
fleetness ascension Mecca Belgravia rebarbative Tinseltown
anonymity venue albeit casserole olympiad sorrel
carcinogenic microfiche vermicide semester crocodile McCoy
detritus quadrilateral echelon sacrament venerable histrionics
anorak turpentine supremacy terra-cotta chemise cashier
enviable cellophane clowder moratorium campanology polysemy
extrapolate indulgent occultation cognizant persuasible stampede
extinguish occipital Chihuahua OR *cognisant desultorily forfeit
pilaster predicament promontory languish papyrus armadillo
perceptible provincial shar-pei protuberant El Niño overweening
dystopia antithesis narcoleptic chortle anchorage sacrosanct
muesli gouge efface unscathed conundrum syringe
crux salivate sycophant raclette debilitate eclipse
wordmonger laity bellwether superstitious mittimus espadrille
wobbulator indolent clarinet mawkish mellifluous corgi

There’s a First Time for Everything

Hugh Tosteson was the first winner from outside of the fifty U.S. states. He lived in Puerto Rico and won in 1975.

*chiefly British spelling

14
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

caffeine jimberjawed syllabus arithmetic olfactory pliant

panacea toilsome animus depredation en masse billiards
cabaret tempestuous trillium ignominious stroganoff obstreperous
froufrou univocal Dalmatian auction procrastinate frabjous
eschew avarice ufology assiduous purification spiracle
ventricle bouclé cholera diligence plantain Formica
inducement OR boucle **minuscule bodega aperture Mylar
vanguard thoroughbred OR miniscule bona fide rhythmically rustication
portrait potassium jeepney gustatory shazam globular
tepidity peculate volucrine obliterate bountiful stellular
meridian treatise populace legalese pantheon akimbo
spontaneity undergird vetiver rudiments marimba derisive
platinum oompah parameters monitory conduit ineluctable
nonnegotiable adulation inflammable equilibrium bravado eerily
disparate minutia pyrotechnics roustabout beneficent funambulist
artifice anticipatory mollify trifle indict apotheosis
cymbals chinook cohesive ambrosial epitome entrée
nucleated indigent stigmata simultaneity annulment homeostasis
exorbitant merganser prolix gastronome vegetarian calamari
reparations sternum mitochondria epithet surimi prehensile
constabulary par excellence onomatopoeia encroach besmirch somatotype
speculate thwartwise lavender acacia trespass bizarro
stratosphere tae kwon do tensile tetanus commandeer dissemble
noxious fenestrated gaudery scarlatina bonsai gallant
arbitrary lugubrious luxuriate ciao university intensify
quasar isosceles cavalcade genome celestial hurriedly
Podunk hoity-toity gladiatorial inviolable preposterous corrosive
seize Mesopotamian machination contrite extant afghan
pathos Muzak pugnacious patrician cogently odontiasis
equinox vicinity peruse enervate auricular stratification
prosperous merely alluvial turophile settee tomahawk
sclerosis abominable epicurean Patagonia legitimately artesian
ablaut procedure derelict vanquish inoculate mendacious
anabolic limpid revelation ectoplasm heleoplankton gubernatorial

Older than Sliced Bread

The National Spelling Bee was first held in 1925. That makes us older than sliced bread, bubble gum and even trampolines.

**preferred spelling
15
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

pungent pagoda ottoman fiscal epitaphs multivalent

mandrill establishment logographic oblige solitaire artillery
gibbous ruminate armistice viscount dishevel quotient
extracurricular sympathy cryogenic plague Limburger ricotta
punctuation puniness catalyst preferential tuffet guttural
nautilus lingua franca thespian bazooka epact atrocious
thievery triforium submersible complacency abstruse vivacious
dragoon **déjà vu extemporaneous kraken nephrolith xenoglossy
yuzu OR déjà vue ungetatable stanzaic adipose smorgasbord
ritziness calabash unilaterally putrescent quorum electrode
gazette **chute ordinance nostalgia pharynx sporadically
continuum OR shute ursine dechlorinate epistolary sudation
pachyderm impermeable arduous unconscionable pursuit cytoplasm
symposium trepidation carnitas Pembroke esoteric affectionately
floribunda collision bulgogi liquefaction grapheme Pulitzer
salience scarab fibromyalgia palazzo trigonometry vitreous
molasses veganism terrier miasma alloy wraith
classical humerus captivated concoct Belgium insulin
fungible vagabonds onus modicum audacious phlegmatic
Gothamite variegated precursor javelin exasperate spasmodic
affable volition mochi spoonerism Mandarin bouquet
dopamine gossamer feign complicit Kelvin denizen
pitiful vincible dementia gyrocopter vellum duopoly
ammunition factitious voilà **medieval enunciate alpinist
pariah sculpture OR voila OR mediaeval tarsier abracadabra
prodigious annuity habanero licensure autodidact plethora
denominator quid pro quo Francophone Herculean parable rappelled
prorogue curmudgeon convivium pilgrimages rowan conceit
fecund cushion atrium oriel tripartite tapas
laceration tutelage italicization preeminent Bohemian sediment
nexus domiciled preliminary alfresco succinct emulate
decor theorem echoed loquacious inquietude caveat
OR décor accrual reticulated prosthetic compunction doubloons
duchy grandeur authenticate latency decumbiture oscillation

Find the Bee on Social Media

Connect with us! If you’re 13 or older, follow the Scripps National Spelling Bee on social media. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and
Twitter. Use #spellingbee to join the conversation.

**preferred spelling
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 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

enzyme quandary ornithology sanctimonious racketeer Vatican

dinero equanimity apropos peremptory solder fucoid
comestibles thermos pessimum infarction interim parley
stenographer acrylics amateurish cedar definiendum meningitis
mezzanine imminent **intransigent udon ***dandle nutation
lozenge hieroglyphics OR intransigeant gourd effete nutria
tedious oculus tyrannical verbatim Antigua sedge
resonate dubiously pearlescent joule vaudeville capstan
suspicion mariposa tautology niacin frisket vicarious
repudiate teleology misconstrue courage brockage alate
emporium bowyer sagacious arabesque malapropism victimology
Victorian infatuation mammalian cylindrical pelf ibex
forestallment abysmal tranquil tephra aqueous cudgel
Iberian chambray behemoth lackadaisical Dianthus bicameral
fluency rhombus equestrian silhouette olingo irrigation
invective revendicate nominal dismal Halifax labradoodle
occur jonquil draconian consortium concordance portico
claustrophobia pensive trebuchet tuition huerta corsage
idyllic quarantine ransom multifarious vascular smellfungus
coralline schnitzel iambic unanimous wentletrap arboretum
abhenry rialto monocle soporific serrated Zamboni
chromosome delphinium apocalypse tupelo poblano blarney
braggart obelisk cemetery cadaverous conclave diacritic
relentlessly diurnal anticoagulant prowess Gregorian mephitic
opalescence prejudice euro dromedary rebuff complementary
polyglot bombastic Gouda squalid taverna Philistine
velociraptor cistern endocrine tracheotomy illicitly dyspeptic
puree exquisite presumptuous firmament cribbage inglorious
manticore epsilon doubt paramountcy crith louche
chronometer petroglyphs unkempt sultana Namibian avatar
cherubic specious cursive agrarian tricenary grandiloquent
wherewithal pumice binoculars collapsar triste armature
inquisitor zodiac apportion exhibition interred maidenhair
chemistry artery gurney ministrations legerity aureole

Bee’s Bookshelf
The Bee’s Bookshelf is the official online book club of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It’s a place to explore the connection between
stories and spelling. Each month, we read a new book together and share insights, so sign up to receive our monthly emails to find out
which book is next. Visit spellingbee.com/book-club to learn more.

**preferred spelling
*** Beginning at this point, all the words remaining in the Two Bee section are new to the 2021 version of Words of the Champions. 17
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: TWO BEE
Words of the Champions

spinosity demerits grande dame domesticity procurement Acadians

prespinous diaspora verism episcopal cribo Gippsland
cladistics pious dramatization consecrate colubrine froward
gasiform borough nonconformist trituration immie ensconced
valuator volatile château neoterism aretalogy cattalo
deserter gnocchi erroneous interregnum sessile OR catalo
jankers surety tam-o’-shanter viaticum du jour hypogeous
Evactor pileus trillado homiletics lanceolate
possessive fez per se psalmody bowsprit
venial glengarry peradventure omnilegent Charon
seton commissioner Ryeland princeps chupacabra

Did You Know?

The Scripps National Spelling Bee has declared co-champions in 1950, 1957, 1962, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. Diana Reynard and
Colquitt Dean were the first co-champs in 1950.

**preferred spelling
18
DIFFICULTY
LEVEL
THREE BEE

19
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
School Spelling Bee Study List

cladding rummages astrologers bipolar politesse arcane

scallion constricting devout torpid chanteuse soleil
stealthily inevitable shrike featherbrained arrondissement copse
warden engrossed Vancouver immoderate carabinieri scabbard
copious strife conjure arrayed tamarisk courtiers
hurtle hindmost stalagmite countenance liana assuage
fester eviction traitorous scepter sibilant adjutant
intoxicating protruding condominium OR *sceptre au revoir inexorably
outlandish substantial impenetrable scourge bitumen disgorged
porcupine hooey intercede irreverent sacristy Algiers
lurching blight defector apparition Salzkammergut primavera
ineffective fronds livery dosages frisson souterrain
trough authority scuttlebutt superintendent Aachen knickerbockers
parchment minimize battalion exhalation oriole litany
leach OR *minimise chalet discord Ganges unsullied
wrath **flamingos Lutheran clamorous niagara Carthusian
corporate OR flamingoes roiling grimaces carrion **maharaja
propane mechanics psychiatrist inheritance samosas OR maharajah
dissuade bankrupt disconcerting plumage chalice **Upanishads
profusion insurance Jesuit epaulet necromancer OR Upanisads
appalling dismayed fodder OR epaulette proffered arret
divulge offspring sinuously propound colonel marquee
meditation pillage irreversible chauffeurs subaltern
franchise anguish barricade disconsolate Etruscan
pretentious increments moustache testosterone cloisters
embellishes Odin OR mustache minivets redound
appropriate parishioner unprepossessing proscenium Benedictine

Our Namesake
Although the first national spelling bee occurred in 1925, it wasn’t until 1941 that Scripps-Howard Newspapers, now known as
The E.W. Scripps Company, assumed leadership of the program.

*chiefly British spelling

**preferred spelling
20
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
Words of the Champions

imaret allelopathy cinerarium hierurgical kathakali onychorrhexis

cornichon capoeira polemic melee cozen paraffin
devastavit agnolotti paladin emolument oxalis vigneron
Mediterranean ballabile totipotency ikebana myeloma tannined
longevous draegerman agnomen exaugural lebensraum spiedini
digerati prescient Bauhaus gaillardia mufti anhinga
solecism Fribourg sacerdotal caryatid dirigible jai alai
hypertrophy proselytizer skeuomorph heliacal surcease Rastafarian
ravigote OR *proselytiser binturong schefflera ascetic succussion
inchoate tenon mamushi contrapposto oolite avifauna
judoka nubilous lipophilic temblor revanche joropo
vaccary iatrogenic codicil insouciance megrims toxicosis
Adelaide onychitis coulomb catarrh podagra colporteur
unwonted roux violaceous quattrocento palaver OR colporter
tazza tuatara Rorschach millegrain luthier agitprop
damson chicle arthralgia canaille yttriferous Achernar
pelisse sulcus desman verisimilitude vermeil cassock
succade thalamus jacaranda Keynesian Ouagadougou meringue
tumulus gyttja huapango akaryote bibliopegist mackinaw
dorsiflexor jibboom predilection azulejo plagiarism sambal
profiterole vestigial entomophagy hauberk holobenthic yuloh
valetudinary Orwellian paronomasia bouillon boutonniere hermeneutics
aristoi gimbaled facsimile tarpaulin anodyne tikkun
vireo OR gimballed renminbi cephalopod saccharide macaque
rococo cabaletta interferon pulchritude boulevardier lassitude
lachsschinken hesped sedulous pekoe quokka oeuvre
wakame umami velouté patois lidocaine altazimuth
bathos persiflage Aesopian Rubicon contretemps Castilian
nihilism toreador frigate bourgeois a posteriori trichinosis
ustion vermicelli enoptromancy aerophilatelic scaberulous ecclesiology
sumpsimus frangipane satiety ankh anaglyphy teppanyaki
morel reseau perorate contumelious reconnoiter cicatrize
abeyance moulage danseur vicissitudes OR reconnoitre somnolent
rongeur interpellate chevalier lilliputian realpolitik intonaco
mountebank genuflect taurine Sbrinz colloque realia

On a Global Scale
At just 12 years old, Jody-Anne Maxwell, from Kingston, Jamaica, was our first international champion. She won the Bee in 1998.

*chiefly British spelling

21
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
Words of the Champions

grison toroidal speleothem sepulchral bruja niveau

phulkari bialy euripus sangfroid upsilon rouille
garrulous appurtenances samarium pasilla sakura rescissible
paroxysm corsair variscite maringouin buccal Jungian
communiqué zabaglione bolide argot zocalo Groenendael
Chantilly velamen vervain vicenary **aficionado facile
jacquard sporran chanoyu ajimez OR afficionado chrysolite
sorghum clematis hamadryad pompeii piscivorous execrable
guilloche kente calumny oviparous benison hangul
appositive ranine escabeche mangonel gagaku cartouches
dirndl riparian ad hominem coalescence amygdala Nicoise
latke **accoutrement oubliette Plantagenet scurrilous OR Niçoise
martinet OR accouterment béchamel bauxite flèche julienne
asterion radicchio repoussage kakapo tetrachoric moiety
hypallage dudgeon otacoustic pelagial sforzando pastitsio
solenoid nitid naranjilla ague thalassic modiste
veridical Basenji elegiac largesses frazil deuterium
threnody concinnate pâtissier fulgent rapprochement Icarian
Jacobean Stradivarius OR patissier olecranon glacis pappardelle
ballotage synecdoche Yeatsian toreutics ahimsa Sahel
ocotillo tulsi surfeit mascarpone kanji bibelot
dubitante sebaceous limicolous rissole weltschmerz telegnosis
disciform papeterie girandole seneschal jalousie loupe
mizuna litigious googol pinniped ichthyology oleiculture
trichotillomania phytophilous étagère wahine pruritus **loess
huipil meunière anechoic grissino dactylic OR löss
mustelid hilum leonine coterie affogato ruelle
prestidigitation fanfaronade laulau sylph scrivener Ushuaia
soupçon malachite Gruyère katsura dysrhythmia redingote
diphtheria urticaria proprioceptive diastole dragée adscititious
bdelloid capsaicin oppugn mediobrome choucroute hummock
nugatory ptosis macropterous demurrage hsaing-waing internecine
commorients pejerrey euphonious tristeza stevedore duxelles
immiscible horologist retinoscopy trigeminal harangue mesial

Word Club
Want a new way to study? The Word Club app, available in the App Store and the Google Play Store, will make mastering Words of the
Champions fun! Choose from multiple different quiz and study options for both spelling and vocabulary, all with expert audio pronunciations
from the Bee’s official pronouncer, Dr. Jacques Bailly.

**preferred spelling
22
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
Words of the Champions

Feldenkrais Ficus spodumene hyssop exsect unguiculate

bailiwick agelicism leberwurst naumachia champignon amaryllis
bozzetto subrident daguerreotype focaccia bahuvrihi reveille
coiffure ethylene yakitori pahoehoe panjandrum regnal
repartee flaneur pejorate Kjeldahl catachresis attaché
chimera Ponzi Aitutakian rubefacient tiffin rafflesia
OR *chimaera teneramente parterre halcyon colcannon ranunculus
avgolemono styptic rondeau corrigenda tournedos pistou
exiguous sopapilla atlatl Zanni ormolu scintillation
presentient nictitate allochroous nonage blottesque Bolognese
renvoi boutade ennui beurre consommé farrago
kichel towhee caisson jicama OR consomme coup de grace
semaphore escritoire cheongsam sturnine ullage tourelle
gambol affenpinscher graticule octonocular zortzico notturno
angiitis gudgeon gyascutus parallax teratism ginglymus
Teutonic beaumontage cygnet antenatus flagellum hemorrhage
Conestoga galoot supercilious trouvaille panegyric tapetum
zeitgeist desiccate dysphasia glazier hoi polloi golem
heinousness aporia kugel kinesiology sirenian krewe
nacelle moraine topazolite exogenous nescience toque
rupicolous hirsute trompe l’oeil aniseikonia blatherskite avuncular
Pythagorean shubunkin ailette guayabera consigliere habiliments
kepi hepatectomy fetticus realgar adiabatic rubato
**bulgur bloviate rocaille anaphylaxis camembert gentilitial
OR bulghur seine couverture bobolink ecchymosis obnebulate
ushabti galapago lemniscus diluent oppidan allonym
puchero au courant ad nauseam urushiol decastich croquembouche
nival crepuscular ganache andouille Naugahyde kobold
ascites theca sauger otiose lefse mendicity
Véronique croustade kanban megacephalic beccafico castellated
OR Veronique kipuka toccata souchong amphistylar toponymic
planetesimal noumenon pertinacity poltroon saturnine boudin
taoiseach chicanery gasthaus Freudian zaibatsu bucatini
obeisant vilipend transmontane floruit titian reboation
whippoorwill vitiate laterigrade Bunyanesque tokonoma haupia

Home Sweet Home

While many people think the Bee is headquartered in Washington, D.C., our hive is actually located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

*chiefly British spelling

**preferred spelling
23
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
Words of the Champions

Keplerian pneumatocyst xerogel cachexia ululate cordillera

codswallop fortissimo vizierial connoisseur sororal zazen
hauteur portmanteau crescive ferruginous epideictic cabochon
camarilla coaxation tryptophan gendarme embolus après
nidicolous ardoise neophyte demulcent caveola zydeco
oxyacetylene farouche buffa goosander farina consanguine
queue farfalle clavichord kwashiorkor heuristic bibimbap
hellebore ogival de rigueur lecithin nudibranch aquiclude
transhumance stretto secant cetology triquetra demitasse
phloem coccygeal comanchero plenipotentiary paramahamsa tomalley
lacustrine Diplodocus meiosis foudroyant duello bouffant
ageusia tachyon gules sesquipedalian fjeld bas-relief
pillor piccata nimiety expugnable tomography rhizome
deleterious isagoge lokelani profligacy effleurage Wensleydale
ikat élan psoriasis yosenabe chastushka erubescent
pylorus breviloquence bavardage funori bergère estovers
erythroblast kalimba coulibiac piloncillo Erewhonian rembrandt
maillot illative xyloglyphy xiphias rhyton bonspiel
epenthesis betony Aramaic étouffée orogeny hackamore
hinoki bêtise anathema OR etouffee Pepysian blancmange
nonpareil transience basilica degauss esplanade simulacrum
nyctinasty frison rajpramukh tussock gesellschaft cnidarian
pointelle flavedo Chalcolithic lanolated tamari capotasto
vinaigrette maquillage rinceau linnet arenaceous Panagia
tinnient mortadella filar embouchure panettone nockerl
aioli stanchion bhangra plangency tmesis rhabdoid
pochoir spirulina risorgimento apocryphal clerihew apodyterium
glyceraldehyde eleemosynary agalma tamarack tsukupin apoplexy
hagiographer force majeure analgesia puerilely katakana verdure
syncope ossicle dengue obloquy Parmentier fait accompli
icosahedron anemone cantatrice dhole rugose dreikanter
goanna alpargata emollient **budgerigar brume penicillin
wassail disembogue parquet OR budgereegah hiortdahlite pendeloque
ammonite luculent dhurrie OR budgerygah extravasate beelzebub
tanager expatiate lapidary outré incunabula rhinorrhagia
It’s All Greek to Me
We often get questions about why we use words that may not appear to be English. Most words in the English language are words that we
borrowed from other languages. We borrowed them, used them, and now call them our own.

**preferred spelling
24
 DIFFICULTY LEVEL: THREE BEE
Words of the Champions

foley wasteweir OR encarnadine Tchefuncte cioppino gabarit

syzygy diamanté dulcinea becquerel inglenook guerite
Beethovenian sphygmometer nainsook darnel efflux gallivat
tatterdemalion **kibitzer querida giallolino frugivore charcuterie
susurrus OR kibbitzer paillard krausen lobscouse zugzwang
**bienvenue auteur gazoz Castalia senecio triskelion
OR bienvenu labefaction Glaswegian nahcolite jasmone crokinole
potwalloper ibidem stannum telamon hawok anicca
kaffeeklatsch estival putsch uraeus fructiferous batamote
peregrination OR aestival tralatitious teledu martinoe yabbies
paraquat loup-garou denouement gattine lierre salmagundi
prana empennage hortatory mele porwigle OR salmagundy
sinciput lysozyme maquette Marathi portugais **hutia
abattoir grimthorpe obliviscence nuciform ligas OR jutia
glossopetrae thaumaturge autophagy grandrelle Osloite Deseret
diktat pinioned Airedale bordereaux sciolistic Djibouti
llanero fouetté potager rambla seraya Tegucigalpa
Machiavellian venenate malleolus tullibee janthina Llullaillaco
glaucomatous badinage *** marcel guichet Skeltonic Pyxis
haori saccadic croquignole Guarnerius balata
rheostat mignonette dolmen unakite balbriggan
hariolation coadjutor griot azotea affeer
thylacine chiffonade vexillologist gabbro pomology
cenote haricot **halala gegenschein Svengali
griffonage Luddite OR halalah hebdomadal escheator
fossiliferous wickiup corybantic gypsophila dogana
calefacient nisse chasuble koh-i-noor toorie
obdurate impugn furuncle nocive exchequer
nunchaku brouillon pongee cataphora habeas corpus
senryu derecho acoel blastema kerril
cormorant solipsist acral trochee pudibund
gnomon sinophile Koine diapason toril
pinetum harmattan weka deliquesce ryas
brucellosis **incarnadine haplography aperçu terai

One Dictionary to Rule them All

The only source for the Scripps National Spelling Bee is Merriam-Webster Unabridged.
(http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com)

**preferred spelling
***Beginning at this point, all the words remaining in the Three Bee section are new to the 2021 version of Words of the Champions.
25
 #spellingbee
spellingbee.com

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) advances understanding of the world through journalism. As the nation’s fourth-largest independent TV station owner, Scripps
operates 60 television stations in 42 markets. Scripps empowers the next generation of news consumers with its multiplatform news network Newsy and reaches growing
audiences through broadcast networks including Bounce and Court TV. Shaping the future of storytelling through digital audio, Scripps owns top podcast company Stitcher and
Triton, the global leader in technology and measurement services. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime
steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”