bead

noun

\ ˈbēd

Definition of bead

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a obsolete : prayer —usually used in plural

b beads plural : a series of prayers and meditations made with a rosary

2 : a small piece of material pierced for threading on a string or wire (as in a rosary)

3 beads plural

a : rosary

b : a necklace of beads or pearls

4 : a small ball-shaped body: such as

a : a drop of sweat or blood

b : a bubble formed in or on a beverage

c : a small metal knob on a firearm used as a front sight

d : a blob or a line of weld metal

5 : a projecting rim, band, or molding

6 : a precise knowledge or understanding —used in such phrases as get a bead on

bead

verb

beaded; beading; beads

Definition of bead (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish, adorn, or cover with beads or beading

2 : to string together like beads

intransitive verb

: to form into a bead

Other Words from bead Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about bead

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Did You Know?

The beads you might wear around your neck once represented prayers. The Middle English word bede at first meant “a prayer.” People then, as now, often kept track of the number and order of a series of prayers with the help of a string of little balls. Because each of these balls stands for a prayer, the word bede came to be used for the balls themselves. Today this same word, now spelled bead, is used to refer to any small piece of material with a hole in it for threading on a string or wire.

Examples of bead in a Sentence

Noun

Beads of sweat began rolling down their faces. squeeze a bead or two of glue onto the seam

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

They're not just buried, but buried with glass beads known as tektites. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "The Annihilation Event That Killed The Dinosaurs Left This Diverse Graveyard Trapped in Time," 1 Apr. 2019 There is a silver dress in the collection that appears to be made of elongated metal paillettes, but the show notes reveal it was made from a loom’s heddles cut into sequins and studded with bugle beads. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Collections of the Fall 2019 Season," 8 Mar. 2019 The The Favourite actress stepped out in a pale pink Louis Vuitton Atelier gown filled with silver beads that were draped in a way that resembled fish scales. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Emma Stone's Nude Golden Globes Dress Has the Internet Stunned," 7 Jan. 2019 Also among the pieces is a traditional Pakistani wedding ensemble of red silk and chiffon, with metallic embroidery and glass beads. — Fox News, "San Francisco museum shows off modern Muslim women's fashion," 21 Sep. 2018 Natacha Rambova’s sets and costumes—including Nazimova’s headdress with huge pearly beads—drew inspiration from Aubrey Beardsley’s illustrations for the play by Oscar Wilde. — Kristin M. Jones, WSJ, "‘Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers’ Review: Highlighting a Forgotten History," 18 July 2018 Madison and Abigail, both in middle school at the time, found bundles of stretchy, pink bracelets with beads shaped like tiny turtles and elephants and monkeys. — Rebecca Lurye, Courant Community, "New Britain Race In The Park A Bittersweet Mother's Day Tradition," 12 May 2018 Channeling her '80s days, the singer wore a ton of tiny layered cross necklaces along with some rosary beads. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Like A Prayer, Madonna Graced The Met Gala Covered in Crosses," 8 May 2018 Wearing a white cowboy hat with sparkly beads draped like accents on a fancy chandelier, the progressive R&B singer Kelela greets a modest but adoring crowd on the Mojave stage. — Randall Roberts, latimes.com, "Coachella by the hour: Weekend highlights from Vince Staples, Kali Uchis, Moodymann, Oh Sees and, oh yeah, Beyoncé," 23 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In fact, blisters can often bead up due to dermatological issues, because a long list of conditions may cause this symptom. — Korin Miller, SELF, "9 Questions That Will Help You Decode That Skin Rash," 22 Mar. 2019 Her pieces certainly stand out on their own, especially considering that both bodysuits and beading (hand-beaded bags, mostly) are two of the most prevalent trends in contemporary fashion and on social media right now. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Meet the Designer Behind Copenhagen’s Coolest New Line of Velvet Bodysuits," 28 Jan. 2019 Sis Kendall also put a gothic twist on Coachella staples, accessorizing a long, black lace dress with chunky pendant necklaces and forehead beading. — Elizabeth Denton, Seventeen, "Celeb Fashion," 14 Apr. 2014 Meghan looked elegant in a white gown by Theia with beading details for the formal occasion. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle Wore a White Theia Gown for a Welcome Reception in Tonga," 25 Oct. 2018 During a special dinner with the king and queen of Tonga, Meghan Markle stepped out with Prince Harry in a stunning white Theia gown featuring cap sleeves and beading details. — Megan Friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "How Meghan Markle’s Tonga Dress Designer Figured Out She Was Pregnant," 25 Oct. 2018 While the older Jenner sister chose a $9,000 mini dress made completely of silver Swarovski crystals, Kylie opted for a more sporty shorts bodysuit in pink — hers beaded with 70 thousand Swarovski stones. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner's Birthday Jumpsuit Is Covered in 70,000 Swarovski Crystals," 10 Aug. 2018 Other bags are hand-crocheted or hand-beaded in India, and several are fancy enough to replace your evening clutch. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Summer’s Most Charming Bags Are Made in India, Inspired by Japan, and Arriving in New York Today," 25 June 2018 This is purely a list of useless but fulfilling stuff, like beading). — Lena Dunham, Vogue, "Lena Dunham Explores Alone Time After a Break-Up," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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12 Apr 2019

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Time Traveler for bead

The first known use of bead was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for bead

bead

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bead

: a small, usually round piece of glass, wood, stone, etc., that has a hole through its center and that is put on a string with other similar pieces and worn as jewelry or that is sewn onto clothing

: a small, round drop of liquid (such as water or blood)

See the full definition for bead in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bead

noun

\ ˈbēd