beading

1 of 2

noun

bead·​ing ˈbē-diŋ How to pronounce beading (audio)
Synonyms of beadingnext
1
: a beaded molding
2
: material or a part or a piece consisting of a bead
3
: an openwork trimming
4
: beadwork

beading

2 of 2

present participle of bead entry 2

Examples of beading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Even party looks are using intricate beading and corsetry to create the perfect shine and silhouette for late nights on the dance floor. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 The strapless statement dress featured a body-skimming design from the bust through the hips before falling into a long, floor-skimming skirt, with the entire silhouette covered in rows of intricate silver beading. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Oct. 2026 For families Even without a kids club, this resort makes every effort to genuinely embrace children during their stay, including with beading sessions as well as cookie decorating and pizza making. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026 By the doorway to the catwalk two people sat toiling at desks, one hand-beading a piece of cloth and the other machine sewing a denim garment. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beading

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beading was in 1799

Rhymes for beading

See All Rhymes for beading

Browse Nearby Words

beadily
beading
beading plane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beading. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

beading

noun
bead·​ing
ˈbēd-iŋ
: beadwork

Medical Definition

beading

noun
bead·​ing ˈbēd-iŋ How to pronounce beading (audio)
: the beadlike nodules occurring in rickets at the junction of the ribs with their cartilages

called also rachitic rosary, rosary

More from Merriam-Webster on beading

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for beading

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All