beads

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Small pieces of glass, wood, plastic or stone with a hole through them, threaded on a string to make jewelry or decoration.

   Grammar: Plural of bead, usually said of a set: a string of beads.

   Patterns

   • a string of beads
   • thread beads onto something

   She threaded red beads onto a string to make a bracelet.

   The children sorted the beads by colour before starting the craft project.

   A necklace of wooden beads hung from the hook.

2. 2nounplural

   Small round drops of liquid that form on a surface.

   Grammar: Usually followed by of and a liquid: beads of sweat, beads of water.

   Patterns

   • beads of sweat
   • beads of water

   Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he waited for the results.

   Water ran off the waxed car in neat beads.

   Cold beads of condensation covered the glass.

3. 3nounpluralreligion

   A string of small balls used to count prayers, such as a rosary.

   Grammar: Often used with say or tell in religious contexts: she told her beads.

   Patterns

   • tell your beads
   • say the beads

   The old woman sat in the church, quietly telling her beads.

   He kept a set of prayer beads in his coat pocket.

   The monks counted prayers on their beads.

Word forms

Common combinations

a string of beads

She wore a long string of beads that clicked when she moved.

beads of sweat

Beads of sweat ran down the runner's face.

glass beads

The market stall sold glass beads from many countries.

thread the beads

Small hands can easily thread the beads onto strong cord.

prayer beads

Many travellers carry prayer beads for quiet moments.

Synonyms and how they differ

pearls

Pearls are specific round gems from oysters, whereas beads can be made of any material.

droplets

Droplets are tiny drops of liquid, matching the second sense of beads, but they do not suggest a rounded shape sitting on a surface.

baubles

Baubles are shiny but cheap decorative ornaments, so they are broader than beads and often hang on a tree.

rosary

A rosary is a specific set of prayer beads in Christianity, so it is narrower than beads.

Word family

bead noun

one small round piece

beaded adjective

decorated with beads or covered in drops

beading noun

decoration made with beads or a narrow moulding

beadwork noun

decoration or craft made with beads

Commonly confused: beads or bids?

Practice

Make it your own

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