ESL Word Search
This ESL word search uses practical, everyday English that learners need first: greetings, family, food, places around town, jobs, time and the weather. It is a low-pressure way for English language learners of any age to practice spelling and recognize vocabulary they will hear every day.
ESL Word Search
Find and circle every word in the list. Words go across, down and diagonally.
- BANK
- BROTHER
- DOCTOR
- FAMILY
- FATHER
- FRIEND
- GOODBYE
- HELLO
- HOSPITAL
- LIBRARY
- MOTHER
- NURSE
- PLEASE
- SCHOOL
- SISTER
- SORRY
- STORE
- STUDENT
- TEACHER
- THANK YOU
ESL Hidden Message Word Search
Find and circle every word in the list. Words go across, down and diagonally.
- BANK
- BROTHER
- DOCTOR
- FAMILY
- FATHER
- FRIEND
- HOSPITAL
- MOTHER
- NURSE
- SCHOOL
- SISTER
- STORE
- STUDENT
- TEACHER
Hidden message: the leftover letters, read left to right and top to bottom, spell a secret message._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ESL Word Search — Answer Key
ESL Hidden Message Word Search — Answer Key
Hidden message: Welcome to class
About this esl word search
- Pair the puzzle with pictures: learners find a word, then match it to a drawing or object to connect spelling with meaning.
- Use the found words for speaking practice afterward, such as asking partners to build simple sentences like "I go to the bank."
- Words with silent letters or tricky spellings, like tomorrow and restaurant, are worth extra attention because they do not sound the way they look.
- For adult learners, the large, clear grid keeps the activity respectful and practical rather than childish.
Want a different version? Make your own word search with these words, a shaped grid, or bent words.
Words in these puzzles
hellogoodbyepleasethank yousorryfamilymotherfatherbrothersisterfriendteacherstudentdoctornursestorebankschoolhospitallibrary
Frequently asked questions
›Is this esl word search free to print?
Yes. Print it straight from your browser or download the PDF, which includes 2 puzzles and their answer keys. No sign-up needed.
›Where is the answer key?
The answer keys print on their own pages after the puzzles, and they are in the PDF too. Every word is highlighted, so checking is quick.
›Can I make my own esl word search?
Yes. Press "Customize this puzzle" to open it in the word search maker. There you can add or remove words, change the grid size, pick a shape or add a hidden message.