beady

[ bee-dee ]

adjective

, bead·i·er, bead·i·est.

1. beadlike; small, globular, and glittering:

   beady eyes.

2. covered with or full of beads.

beady

/ ˈbiːdɪ /

adjective

1. small, round, and glittering: used esp of eyes
2. resembling or covered with beads

Derived Forms

• ˈbeadiness, noun
• ˈbeadily, adverb

Other Words From

• beadi·ly adverb
• beadi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beady¹

First recorded in 1820–30; bead + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Their black plumage, beady eyes, haunting cry and eager scavenging have earned them a prominent and creepy place in myth and folklore.

From New York Times

It’s maybe a foot tall and has red bumpy skin and beady green eyes.

From Literature

A smile slowly made its way over the imp’s beady little face.

From Literature

I had an ancestress with a long gray tail and eyes as beady as mine, and her name was Katinka Van Tassel.

From Literature

McConnell chafed at this and his beady little eyes bulged with contempt as he had to choke down the filth Trump spewed.

From Salon