beading

American  

[bee-ding] / ˈbi dɪŋ /

noun

1. material composed of or adorned with beads.

2. narrow, lacelike trimming or edging.

3. narrow openwork trimming through which ribbon may be run.

4. Architecture, Furniture.

   1. a bead molding.

   2. all of the bead moldings in a single design.

---

beading British  

/ ˈbiːdɪŋ /

noun

1. another name for bead

2. Also called: beadwork.  a narrow strip of some material used for edging or ornamentation

---

Etymology

Origin of beading

First recorded in 1855–60; bead + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Back on Riohacha's promenade, Ms Aguilar says the bag's fashion rise has led artisans to adapt or add elements, such as elaborate beading, religious icons, or even football club logos.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

Cell biologist John Heuser from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis also thinks beading is an artifact of the preparation process.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 2, 2024

Entering the pavilion, the beaded bodices of sculptures in human form are emblazoned with dates of U.S. legislation that promised equity, the beading cascading into colorful fringe.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024

An exhibition, “Like a Memory of Night,” showed work by Sika Amakye, a young Ghanaian artist who employs traditional beading traditions passed down matrilineally.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Otto rode on my back, occasionally reaching out to grasp a leaf or twig whose beading water interested him.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer