ESL vocabulary word search maker
Create ESL and EFL vocabulary word searches for any topic: classroom objects, food, jobs or verbs. Printable with answer key, free, no sign-up required.
Classroom Objects
NameDate
- BACKPACK
- BOARD
- CALCULATOR
- CHAIR
- CRAYON
- DESK
- DICTIONARY
- ERASER
- GLUE
- MARKER
- NOTEBOOK
- PENCIL
- RULER
- SCISSORS
Classroom Objects — Answer key
More options: directions, letters, layout
14 × 14 grid · 14 words
Tips for a great esl vocabulary word search
Word searches are popular in ESL and EFL classes because they work at every level. Beginners practice recognising the written form of words they already know orally; intermediate learners can find the words and then use them in sentences or match them to pictures.
Keep each puzzle to one topic so the vocabulary hangs together — classroom objects, food, family, jobs, weather or irregular verbs. Phrases with spaces are fine: "lunch box" is hidden as LUNCHBOX in the grid but shown with its space in the word list.
For a speaking extension, hide the word list (Word list → Hidden) and ask pairs to describe each word they find to their partner without saying it. The answer key makes self-checking easy for large classes.
Recommended settings
- One topic per puzzle
- Phrases with spaces work
- Hide the list for a speaking game
- Answer key for self-checking
How to make a word search
- Type your words. Enter a title and your word list — one word or phrase per line, or separated by commas. Up to 60 words.
- Choose the difficulty. Easy hides words across and down, Medium adds diagonals, Hard adds backwards words and Expert also uses decoy letters. Pick a grid size or leave it on Auto.
- Check the answer key. Switch to the Answer key tab to see every word circled. Click New layout for a different arrangement of the same words.
- Print, save or play. Click Print / Save PDF for the puzzle on page 1 and the answer key on page 2, download a PNG, or click Play online.
FAQ
How do I make a esl vocabulary word search?
Word searches are popular in ESL and EFL classes because they work at every level. Beginners practice recognising the written form of words they already know orally; intermediate learners can find the words and then use them in sentences or match them to pictures.
How do I make a word search with an answer key?
Type or paste your words, choose a difficulty and click Print / Save PDF. Page 1 is the puzzle and page 2 is the answer key with every word circled. Switch to the Answer key tab to preview it.
How many words can I put in a word search?
Up to 60 words or short phrases, in grids from 8 × 8 to 30 × 30. Auto size picks a grid that fits all your words; for the best puzzles keep about half of the squares as filler letters.
Why did some of my words not fit?
A word must be no longer than the grid is wide, and very full grids can run out of room. Choose a bigger grid size, allow more directions or remove a few words — the maker lists anything it could not place.
Can I make a word search harder?
Yes: choose Hard (all 8 directions, including backwards) or Expert, which also fills empty squares with decoy letters taken from your own words. Bigger grids and hidden word lists make it harder still.