NYT Dictionary

UKULELE

/juː.kəˈleɪ.li/
Nounu-ku-LE-leu-ku-le-le · 4 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2025

Meaning

A small four-stringed guitar.

Etymology

Origin: Indigenous languages

Borrowed from Hawaiian ʻukulele, from ʻuku (“flea”) + lele (“jump, jumping”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

ukebanjoguitarlutemandolinsamisensitararchlutebalalaikabanjorine

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.