beadwork

noun

bead·​work ˈbēd-ˌwərk How to pronounce beadwork (audio)
1
: ornamental work in beads
2
: joinery beading

Examples of beadwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All her beadwork headpieces have a constrictive nun-like look around her face and frame it. Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 The artifacts include projectile points that are thousands of years old, as well as baskets, textiles and beadwork from tribal members in the early 1900s. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Simpson was also slightly suspicious of Hoover on account of the volume of beadwork and Native American signifiers that she was known to wear. Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 From the patchwork and beadwork by Mickalene Thomas to the beating heart by Joana Vasconcelos, every artist invited into the house maintains her own visual identity. Amy Verner, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023 Several tribes parade during Mardi Gras adorned in elaborate, handmade costumes complete with feathers, ornate beadwork and enormous headdresses. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2023 While the entire dress was embellished with beadwork, the bust of her dress was embroidered with an especially intricate design. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023 Understand Indigenous Art For the Métis people, beadwork is a practice that interconnects culture, land, and life itself. Diane Selkirk, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2023 The beadwork on his sculptures is being set, artworks are being framed and other works are being prepared for shipment. Zachary Small, New York Times, 24 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beadwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beadwork was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near beadwork

Cite this Entry

“Beadwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beadwork. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

beadwork

noun
bead·​work ˈbēd-ˌwərk How to pronounce beadwork (audio)
: ornamental work made of beads

More from Merriam-Webster on beadwork

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