Grade 9-12 Spelling Bee List 2025-2026

Vocabulary Terms

aberration
- Definition: A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one.
- Example: The sudden drop in temperature was an aberration, unusual for the season.
acoustic
- Definition: Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.
- Example: The acoustic qualities of the old hall made it perfect for concerts.
aesthetics
- Definition: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
- Example: The aesthetics of the painting drew many visitors to the gallery.
alley
- Definition: A narrow passageway between or behind buildings.
- Example: The alley was filled with colorful murals.
ambivalent
- Definition: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
- Example: She was ambivalent about the job offer, unsure if it was the right fit for her.
anachronistic
- Definition: Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; out of its proper time.
- Example: The film's use of modern slang was anachronistic for its historical setting.
analysis
- Definition: A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
- Example: Her analysis of the poem revealed deeper meanings.
anatomy
- Definition: The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms.
- Example: Understanding human anatomy is crucial for medical students.
anchor
- Definition: A heavy object attached to a cable or chain that is used to moor a vessel to the sea bed.
- Example: The ship dropped anchor before the storm arrived.
anthology
- Definition: A published collection of poems or other pieces of writing.
- Example: The anthology included works from famous poets.
archaeology
- Definition: The study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.
- Example: Archaeology provides insights into ancient civilizations.
archipelago
- Definition: A group of islands.
- Example: The Bahamas is an archipelago located in the Caribbean.
architecture
- Definition: The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
- Example: Modern architecture often emphasizes sustainability and minimalism.
archivist
- Definition: A person who maintains and is in charge of archives.
- Example: The archivist preserved the historical documents for future generations.
astronomy
- Definition: The branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.
- Example: Astronomy allows us to understand the universe beyond our planet.
balance
- Definition: An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
- Example: The tightrope walker maintained his balance throughout the show.
banqueted
- Definition: Hosted or attended a banquet; feast.
- Example: They banqueted in honor of the retiring professor.
botanist
- Definition: A scientist who studies plants.
- Example: The botanist discovered new species of orchids in the rainforest.
boulder
- Definition: A large rock, typically one that has been worn smooth by erosion.
- Example: The boulder stood majestically in the middle of the field.
builder
- Definition: A person or company that constructs buildings.
- Example: The builder completed the house ahead of schedule.