Beads
/biːdz/
nounverbA2plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
Beads are tiny objects that are often round and have a small hole through the center. People use them to make necklaces, bracelets, or decorate clothes. As a verb, "beads" means to form small drops of liquid or to cover something with beads.
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⚡ See It in Action
Small decorative objects with a hole used for jewelry or decoration
- •She wore a necklace made of colorful beads.
- •The bracelet had tiny glass beads that sparkled in the sun.
- •Children like to make bead art by stringing beads on a thread.
(Verb) To form small drops of liquid on a surface
- •Water beads on the surface of the freshly waxed car.
- •Sweat beads on his forehead after running.
- •The cold glass had beads of condensation on it.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "beads" like "balls," but much smaller and with a hole in the middle so you can string them.
- ✓Picture a colorful necklace made of many small, shiny beads sliding over a string.
- ✓It's the feeling of holding a smooth, tiny ball that you can put on a thread or string.
- ✓Sounds like "beads" → imagine tiny "bee" shapes buzzing and sticking together like small balls.
- ✓Imagine a craft project where you carefully thread beads to make a beautiful pattern.
- ✓NOT like "drops" (liquid without a hole), beads are solid objects with a hole for stringing.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "drip" (falling liquid), "beads" means small drops form and stay on a surface.
- ✓NOT like "balls" (solid and big), beads are small and often decorative.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Droplets: small drops of liquid (Use when talking about liquid drops, not solid objects)
- •Pearls: small, round, shiny beads (Use when beads are natural and shiny, like from oysters)
- •Gems: small, shiny stones (Use when beads are made of precious stones)
- •Dots: small round marks (Use for small round shapes but not solid objects)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: bead (root) + s (plural or third person singular verb ending)
- •Etymology: Old English "bæd" meaning a prayer or small object, later used for small objects for decoration
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages for small decorative objects to make jewelry or clothes look nice
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for jewelry making, craft projects, and describing small drops of liquid on surfaces
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do beads help people express their creativity or culture?
•Can you think of other small objects that you use to make something bigger or more beautiful like beads?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She wore a necklace made of colorful beads ___ on a thin thread to keep them together.
2.After the rain, water beads ___ on the leaves of the plants.
3.When you make jewelry, you often string beads ___ a string or wire.
4.Sweat beads ___ on his forehead after he finished running the race.
5.The artist used tiny beads ___ decorate the fabric with bright colors.
6.Unlike drops that fall, water beads ___ on the surface without moving.
7.Beads ___ usually small and have a hole that lets you put them on a string.