Word Hive: A Free Spelling Bee Alternative
Prefer the original? Play the Anagram Solver.
How to play
Seven letters, one honeycomb, and as many words as you can find. Every word must use the gold center letter and be at least four letters long, and at least one pangram uses all seven. Play the free daily hive, compare ranks with friends, or start a new hive whenever you like — no subscription required.
- Click the hexagons or type on your keyboard to spell a word, then press Enter.
- Words must be 4+ letters, include the gold center letter, and use only the seven hive letters. Letters can repeat.
- Four-letter words score 1 point; longer words score one point per letter. A pangram — a word using all seven letters — earns 7 bonus points.
- Climb from Beginner to Queen Bee. Give up any time to see every answer, and check yesterday’s answers the next day.
FAQ
Is Word Hive the NYT Spelling Bee?
No. Word Hive is an independent, free game in the same style, with its own puzzles and word list. It is not affiliated with The New York Times.
Why was my word not accepted?
The answer list uses about 10,000 common English words (from the SCOWL word lists), so very rare words, proper nouns, hyphenated words, and offensive words are left out. There is no letter S in any hive.
What is a pangram?
A word that uses all seven letters of the hive at least once. Every hive has at least one, and each is worth a 7-point bonus.
How are the ranks calculated?
Ranks are a share of the total points available in that hive: Good at 8%, Great at 40%, Amazing at 50%, Hive Mind at 70%, and Queen Bee for finding every word.
Can I see the answers?
Yes. Press “Give up & show answers” to reveal the full list, or open yesterday’s answers on the daily hive.
Does it cost anything?
No — the daily hive and unlimited hives are completely free, with no account or subscription.