Scripps National Spelling Bee Study List with Definitions (2026-2027)

Vocabulary study flashcards based on the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2026-2027 School Spelling Bee Study List with Definitions.

lapels

a turned-back facing usually wide and pointed at the top and tapering to nothing at the bottom that is usually one of a pair along the front edges of a jacket, dress, or coat and extends from the collar or neckline to or toward the waistline.

generosity

the quality or state of being very free or openhanded in giving.

burnished

made shiny or lustrous: polished.

mortar

something that binds or holds together.

unrelenting

Dot softening, yielding, or swerving in resolution or determination.

wallowing

becoming helpless or ineffectual: losing the ability to function naturally or efficiently.

imperial

of or relating to a state as governing or being supreme over colonies or dependencies.

persistent

continuing in a course of action without regard to opposition or previous failure.

arsonists

people who deliberately set fire to a building or other property.

mewling

making whimpering sounds: whining.

generator

a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy.

dominion

a territory or country subject to a ruler or under the control of a particular government.

authority

power to require and receive submission: the right to expect obedience.

panoramic

af, relating to, or resembling an unobstructed or complete and comprehensive view of a region in every direction.

doberman

a short-haired German dog, typically with a black coat.

lemmings

small rodents that are usually colored tawny yellowish and that are notable for population fluctuations and recurrent mass migrations.

decisively

in a manner having the power of resolving or putting an end to: conclusively.

gauntlets

gloves designed to protect the hand from injury.

inanimate

not endowed with consciousness or animal life.

frequency

the fact or condition of occurring at short intervals: occurrence often repeated: common occurrence.

consulate

the premises or the residence of an official appointed by or with the authority of a government to reside in a foreign country to represent the interests of citizens of the appointing country.

cuisine

a manner of preparing food: a style of cooking.

sauntered

walked about idly and in a leisurely manner.

propeller

a mechanical device having one or more blades which when rotated about a central shaft produce a forward thrust due to the aerodynamic forces acting upon them.

modish

fashionable.

influenza

an acute highly contagious infectious virus disease.

juniper

an evergreen shrub or tree having a prostrate or shrubby habit.

unconscious

not knowing or perceiving: not aware.

odorant OR odourant

emitting a scent.

palazzo

a palace or other large imposing residence.

finesse

delicate skill: exquisite grace.

foliage

lenfage.

crocheted

made of needlework consisting of the interlocking of looped stitches formed with a single thread and a hooked needle .

irrelevant

not applicable or pertinent.

curriculum

the whole body of courses offered by an educational institution or one of its branches.

quizzically

in a questioning, curious manner.

apologetic

regretfully excusing or acknowledging.

approximation

an approach especially to a correct estimate or to a given quantity.

arachnid

one of a large class of arthropods including scorpious, spiders, and mites.

legation

a diplomatic mission in a foreign country headed by a minister.

echolocation

a process of animal orientation and navigation that involves emission of high-frequency sounds that are reflected back from environing surfaces.

censers

vessels for burning material used to produce a fragrant odor; especially: such vessels swung on chains in a religious ritual.

affinities

attractions to or likings for something.

diffidence

distrust of oneself or of one's own powers: modest reserve.

conflagration

a large disastrous fire involving many buildings.

pathologically

in a diseased manner.

embodiment

a thing in which something (as a soul, idea, principle or type) is made concrete by expression in perceptible form: an Incarnation.

butane

either of two flammable gaseous hydrocarbons obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and occurring in gasoline and in Liquefied petroleum gas.

thermotaxis

the regulation of body temperature.

glycerin OR glycerine

a sweet syrupy alcohol that is formed by fermentation of sugars, and used chiefly as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, and as an emulsifying agent.

porpoises

small toothed whales that tend to live in a community rather than alone.

calaract

a clouding of the lens of the eye varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light.

inaugurate

to introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities: to invest with power or authority in a formal manner.

alabaster

having a nearly white color and a surface that spreads out light.

psychological

relating to, arising in, or acting through the mind especially in its affective or cognitive functions.

quiche

a baked custard pie usually having an added savory ingredient (as chopped ham, seafood, or vegetables).

Gloucester

a hard cheese resembling derby.