Before we begin - try to take this Spelling Bee test!

This 4-question test contains 4 of the words that the winners used to win.

You can see the answers below!

Scripps National Spelling Bee: A Complete Guide to History, Rounds & Prep

For nearly a century, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has captured the imagination of students, parents, and educators across America. This prestigious competition has evolved from a small contest into a nationally televised event that showcases the incredible abilities of young scholars while celebrating the complexity and richness of the English language.

A Legacy of Letters: The History of the Scripps Spelling Bee

The National Spelling Bee’s story began in 1925 when nine newspapers joined forces to host the first national spelling competition. The E.W. Scripps Company took ownership of the event in 1941, and since then, it has grown into an educational institution that attracts over 11 million participants annually.

The first champion, Frank Neuhauser, won by correctly spelling “gladiolus.” Since then, countless memorable moments have defined the competition’s history, from the introduction of televised broadcasts in 1946 to recent years’ implementation of vocabulary questions and the “Word Meaning” round.

The next Scripps National Spelling Bee is May 26-28, 2026

The 2026 competition runs May 26–28 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and concludes with a Finals round featuring a $50,000 cash prize. To be eligible, students must not have completed eighth grade before August 31, 2025, and must not have turned 15 by that same date. Schools interested in participating must enroll through spellingbee.com between August 19, 2025, and January 30, 2026.

Breaking Down the Bee: How the Competition Works

The journey to the national stage begins in classrooms and schools across the country. Students progress through several levels:

• School Bees: Local competitions determine school champions
• Regional Bees: School winners advance to compete against other local champions
• National Finals: Regional champions gather in National Harbor, Maryland, for the ultimate spelling showdown

The national competition consists of multiple rounds:

1. Preliminary Rounds: Including written tests and oral spelling
2. Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Increasingly challenging words test spellers’ knowledge
3. Finals: An intense competition broadcast live on national television

Words That Make Champions: Understanding the Spelling Bee Vocabulary

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is famous for its challenging word selection. Competitors encounter words from various categories:

• Etymology-based words: Terms derived from Latin, Greek, French, and other language origins
• Scientific terminology: Medical, botanical, and technical vocabulary
• Literary terms: Words from classical literature and poetry
• International words: Terms borrowed from world languages and cultures

Preparing for Success: How Spelling Test Buddy Can Help

For aspiring spelling champions, preparation is key. Spelling Test Buddy is not just built for students who want to memorize a list and move on, it’s built specifically for students who want to compete.

Here’s how it helps:

Adaptive Learning with Spaced Repetition

Spelling Test Buddy’s adaptive learning programs use spaced repetition to surface the right words at the right time. Rather than drilling every word equally, the system identifies which words are on the edge of being forgotten and prioritizes those, so students spend their time where it counts most. This mirrors the preparation strategies used by top competitors, who treat spelling bee prep as a long-term practice rather than a last-minute cram session.

Deep Reporting at the Word and Student Level

Knowing which words to study is half the battle. Spelling Test Buddy provides detailed progress reports at both the word level (how many attempts, how often it’s missed, which students struggle with it) and the student level (overall progress, mastery rates, and trends over time). Teachers and parents can see exactly where a student stands, and students can see their own growth.

Multiple Practice Modes

Students can engage with their word lists through several practice formats — see how it all works together:

• Practice: Open-ended spelling practice with immediate feedback
• Games: Engaging activities that reinforce retention without it feeling like work
• Sorting Tools: Vocabulary tools that help students understand word structure, etymology, and patterns — critical for spelling bee preparation where encountering an unfamiliar word mid-round is inevitable
• Tests: Timed, structured tests that simulate the pressure of a real spelling bee

Answers to the Spelling Bee test

In the sample spelling test above, the words and the year the winner won with that word, are:

• “Murraya” (2021): Murraya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to Southeast Asia.
• “Laodicean” (2009): Laodicean is someone who is lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics.
• “Koinonia” (2018): Koinonia is a term used in the Bible, derived from the Greek word “koinōnia,” meaning fellowship or communion.
• “Marocain” (2017): Marocain is a type of silky, versatile fabric that originated in Morocco.

Conclusion

The Scripps National Spelling Bee represents the pinnacle of academic competition, challenging young minds to master the intricacies of the English language. With dedicated practice and the right tools, aspiring spellers can develop the skills needed to compete at the highest levels. Spelling Test Buddy provides the comprehensive support system needed to transform dedicated students into confident competitors ready to tackle any word that comes their way.

Whether your goal is to compete in the National Spelling Bee or simply improve your spelling skills, remember that every champion started with the basics. Begin your journey today with Spelling Test Buddy, and take the first step toward spelling success.