# bead

/ˈbid/ (US) · /bˈiːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bead
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. jewellery/decoration

noun · CEFR A2

a small, usually round piece of glass, wood, or plastic with a hole through it for a string.

For teachers: a small, typically spherical object pierced for threading on a string or wire, used for ornamentation or jewellery.

- She spent the afternoon making a necklace with colourful glass beads.
- The artisan carefully threaded each hand-painted ceramic bead onto the silk cord to create a unique piece of wearable art.

### 2. a drop of liquid

noun · CEFR B2

a small drop of liquid on a surface.

For teachers: a small, globular drop of liquid, such as sweat or dew, adhering to a surface.

- Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead during the long race.
- Tiny beads of condensation formed on the exterior of the chilled glass as soon as it was brought into the humid garden.

### 3. architecture/moulding

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a narrow, rounded piece of wood or metal used as a decoration on an edge.

For teachers: a decorative, convex, rounded profile or moulding, often a half-circle, used to finish an edge or joint.

- The carpenter added a wooden bead to the edge of the shelf to make it look finished.
- The restoration team meticulously recreated the original plaster bead along the ceiling's perimeter to maintain the room's Victorian character.

### 4. prayer

noun · CEFR B2

one of the small balls on a string used for counting prayers.

For teachers: each of the small balls making up a rosary, used for keeping count of prayers.

- The monk moved his fingers from one bead to the next as he prayed.
- She held the heirloom rosary tightly, her thumb resting on a smooth silver bead as she recited the familiar verses.

### 5. to form drops

verb · CEFR B2

to form into small, round drops.

For teachers: to form into or collect in the shape of beads or droplets.

- Rain started to bead on the surface of the newly waxed car.
- The morning mist began to bead on the spider's web, creating a shimmering pattern in the early light.

## Examples

- She wore a necklace made of glass beads.
- The children sat on the floor, carefully threading colorful beads onto long strings.
- The intricate beadwork on the ceremonial garment reflected centuries of cultural tradition and meticulous handiwork.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.