Vocabulary bingo works at every level, and here the cards take about a minute. Choose a card size and how many players you have: every student gets a different card, and you get a caller’s sheet with the full word list.
Call the Meaning, Not the Word
The caller’s sheet lists each word with its meaning. Read out the meaning, for example “a place where you can borrow books”, and students have to find LIBRARY on their card. That turns bingo into listening and vocabulary practice rather than matching the shapes of words. With beginners, switch the caller’s sheet to plain words.
Card Sizes
| Card | Words on each card | Words in a random set | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 | 9 | 13 | Short rounds and young learners |
| 4 × 4 | 16 | 20 | Most classes |
| 5 × 5 | 24, plus a FREE middle square | 30 | Longer games |
A random set always has a few more words than a card, so the cards differ in which words they hold, not just where. If you use your own list, it needs at least as many words as the card has squares, up to 40.
How to Play Vocabulary Bingo
- Give each student a card. Every card in the set is different.
- Read a meaning (or a word) from the caller’s sheet, in any order, and tick it.
- Students cross out the word that matches.
- The first student with a full line calls “Bingo!” and reads the words back, which is a chance to say them aloud.
- Keep going for a second line, or a full card.
Making the Cards
- Choose a CEFR level and word type, or type your own words.
- Choose the card size and the number of cards (up to 40).
- Choose whether you’ll call out meanings or words.
- Press Make my sheet, then Print / save as PDF. Two cards fit on each A4 page, and the caller’s sheet starts on a new page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bingo card generator free?
Yes. It is free for everyone and needs no account. Pro members can print without the English Finders name and footer.
How many bingo cards can I make?
Up to 40 in one go, and each one is different. Two cards print on each A4 page.
How many words do I need?
At least 9 for a 3 × 3 card, 16 for 4 × 4 and 24 for 5 × 5. If you choose a CEFR level instead, the generator picks a set a little bigger than that for you.
What does the caller read out?
Either the meaning of each word, so students must work out the word, or the word itself. The caller’s sheet lists the words alphabetically with their meanings, and you tick them off as you go.
Can I use phrases as well as single words?
Yes. In your own list you can type short phrases such as “ice cream” or “get up”, up to 24 characters each.
More Free Teacher Tools
Need something else for your next lesson? These free tools use the same CEFR word lists.