heckle
Definitions, pronunciation, related words, and community validation from players who tested this word in Spelling Bee.
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Spelling Bee Profile
When heckle helps
Base Score
6
Before any board-specific bonus
Unique Letters
5
C E H K L
Two-Letter Start
HE
Useful for systematic scans
Ending
LE
Check this pattern late
- 6 letters
- 5 unique letters
- HE start
- LE ending
- repeated letters
Try it when
- heckle is worth 6 points before any pangram bonus.
- It uses 5 unique letters, so it can fit boards that include c, e, h, k, l plus any remaining hive letters.
- Watch the repeated-letter pattern (E x2); those are easy points to miss when scanning quickly.
- The LE ending makes this a useful pattern check after you try the HE start.
- BuzzyWords has saved this word in 1 published Daily snapshot.
Pronunciation
noun
An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.
noun
(usually now in the plural) One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.
noun
A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.
noun
(usually now in the plural) By extension (because the hackles of a rooster are lifted when it is angry), the hair on the nape of the neck in dogs and other animals; also used figuratively for humans.
"When the dog got angry, his hackles rose and he growled."
noun
A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.
noun
A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.
noun
Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.
noun
The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.
noun
A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.
verb
To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.
verb
To insult, tease, make fun of or badger.
"Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance."
verb
To prepare flax for spinning using special combs called hackles