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
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:
Enrollment
Teachers and administrators may visit this link beginning August 22, 2016, to enroll their schools in the Bee for the 2016-17 program year.
Teachers
What is the origin of e-n-t-h-u-s-i-a-s-m?
Find it by drumming up bee spirit at your school. Here are a few tips
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:
- For inspiration, watch the documentary Spellbound on family movie night.
- Keep a \"great words\" journal for every new and interesting word that you find.
- Designate a spelling wall in your home. Post new words to the wall each day.
- 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
Origin of the Term <em>Spelling Bee</em>
The word bee, as used in spelling bee, is one of those language puzzles that has never been satisfactorily accounted for. A fairly old and widely-used word, it refers to a community social gathering at which friends and neighbors join together in a single activity (sewing, quilting, barn raising, etc.) usually to help one person or family.