bead

A small object, usually round and with a hole, used to decorate clothes or make jewellery.

• She chose a blue bead.
• The necklace is made of wooden beads.
• We threaded colourful beads onto a string.

Common phrases: glass bead, bead necklace, string a bead

A small round drop of liquid.

• A bead of water hung from the leaf.
• Beads of sweat covered his forehead.
• Tiny beads of moisture formed on the glass.

How to use it: bead of something (A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek.)

Similar words: drop, droplet

Common phrases: bead of sweat, bead of water, tiny bead

One of the small balls on a string that people count while praying.

• He moved one bead through his fingers.
• She counted the beads as she prayed.
• The rosary had a broken bead.

Similar words: prayer bead

Common phrases: prayer bead, rosary bead, count a bead

Form small round drops or balls on a surface.

• Sweat began to bead on his forehead.
• Rain beaded on the freshly waxed car.
• Moisture beads on the cold glass.

How to use it: bead on something (Water beaded on the polished surface.)

Common phrases: bead on something, water begins to bead, bead up

Sew or attach small decorative balls onto something.

• She learned to bead a dress.
• They beaded the collar by hand.
• He is beading a costume for the show.

Common phrases: bead a dress, bead a gown, bead the fabric