# beads

/ˈbidz/ (US) · /bˈiːdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beads
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. jewellery/decoration

noun · CEFR A2

small, usually round pieces of glass, wood, or plastic with a hole for a string.

For teachers: small, typically spherical objects made of glass, plastic, or wood, perforated for threading into necklaces or attaching to fabric.

- She spent the afternoon making a colourful necklace out of glass beads.
- The traditional garment was intricately decorated with thousands of tiny seed beads, each hand-sewn into a complex geometric pattern.

### 2. drops of liquid

noun · CEFR B2

small drops of liquid on a surface.

For teachers: small, globular droplets of liquid formed on a surface through condensation or secretion.

- Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead during the long race.
- Tiny beads of morning dew clung to the spider's web, shimmering brightly as the first rays of sunlight hit the garden.

## Examples

- She wears a necklace made of blue glass beads.
- The children spent the afternoon threading colorful plastic beads onto strings to make bracelets for their parents.
- The traditional garment was intricately decorated with thousands of tiny seed beads, creating a shimmering pattern that caught the light with every movement of the wearer.

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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.