"Rococo" And 24 More Words To Be A Champion Speller

Buzz. Buzz. Do you love words? Do you love spelling words? Do you have what it takes to be a Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion? If you’ve answered yes, then here’s a quarter of words to help you get started.

Before you start drilling these words, here’s a short index of information about the famous Scripps National Spelling Bee:

• The National Spelling Bee was founded in 1925 by the Louisville Courier-Journal.
• Pauline Bell was the first female Bee Champion (winning word: "cerise").
• Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary is the official dictionary.
• The contender is given two minutes to spell the word.
• The Scripps National Spelling Bee was the most tweeted show of 2015.

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1. Rococo

Pronunciation: ruh-co-co

Definition:

• (adjective) referring to an 18th-century artistic style marked by delicate asymmetrical forms.
• (adjective) something very elaborate.

2. Pusillanimous

Pronunciation: pyoo-si-la-ni-mus

Definition:

• (adjective) something or someone that lacks courage and determination.

3. Carapace

Pronunciation: cah-ruh-pays

Definition:

• (noun) the hard outer shell of an animal like a turtle or a crab.

4. Meringue

Pronunciation: meh-rang

Definition:

• (noun) dessert item made by beaten egg whites and sugar.

5. Pulchritude

Pronunciation: puhl-kreh-tood

Definition: (noun) beauty.

14. Sinophile

Pronunciation: si-nuh-file

Definition:

• (noun) someone with a strong interest in Chinese culture.

20. Ennui

Pronunciation: ahn-wee

Definition: (noun) a feeling of dissatisfaction and despair.

25. Quidnunc

Pronunciation: kwid-nungk

Definition: (noun) someone who is always up to date on the latest gossip.