Prizes

For the Champion:

  • From Scripps: a $40,000 cash prize and the Scripps National Spelling Bee engraved trophy

  • From Merriam-Webster: a $2,500 U.S. savings bond and a complete reference library

  • From Encyclopædia Britannica: $400 of reference works including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set Deluxe Edition and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium

History

1925 White House - Bee

Nine newspapers collaborated to start the National Spelling Bee in 1925. In 1941, Scripps took over sponsorship of the National Spelling Bee. There was no Scripps National Spelling Bee during the war years of 1943–45.

Take the Test

Do you have what it takes to be a national finalist? Test your spelling and vocabulary skills by trying your luck at the 2018 Preliminaries Test, the actual test spellers took during Bee Week last year!

Get Involved


What is the origin of w-o-r-t-h-w-h-i-l-e?


It's in helping students improve their spelling skills and increase their vocabularies—all through the fun of spelling bees:


Students & Parents

What is the origin of s-u-c-c-e-s-s?

You can find it by following these 10 tips along your way to spelling superstardom:

  1. For inspiration, watch the documentary Spellbound on family movie night.
  2. Keep a \"great words\" journal for every new and interesting word that you find.
  3. Designate a spelling wall in your home. Post new words to the wall each day.
  4. For family game night, conduct an impromptu themed spelling bee.

2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee

This year, 285 spellers will compete for the title of 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.

Competition Schedule

The Preliminaries Test 

Tuesday, May 24
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. EDT

All spellers take the Preliminaries Test together in the Maryland Ballroom.

Preliminaries (Round Two)

Wednesday, May 25
8:00 – 11:45 a.m. EDT

Preliminaries (Round Three)

Wednesday, May 25
1:15 – 4:45 p.m. EDT

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