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.

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beading British  

/ ˈbiːdɪŋ /

noun

1. another name for bead

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

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Etymology

Origin of beading

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

Example Sentences

Wednesday's show was no different - with excessive beading, ball gowns and metallic fabrics dominating the catwalk.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

The repetitive nature of weaving and beading and hands-on craftsmanship are important to Gibson.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 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

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

"I am," Will said gloomily, and I noticed little drops of sweat beading his high pale forehead.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath