Brainwave ⚡

How Brainwave works

Brainwave is a free daily word game for children aged 7–11 (and their grown-ups). Each day there is one hidden five-letter word — the same word for everyone — and six tries to find it. After every guess the tiles show which letters belong in the word and which are already in the right place, so each attempt narrows things down.

Unlike most word games, Brainwave is built to teach. Every puzzle comes with a clue, hints are there when your child gets stuck, and solving the word reveals what it means — so vocabulary and spelling grow a little every day without it ever feeling like homework.

A fair fight for every age

• Junior — Year 3 and 4 children get the clue plus the first letter free, so younger spellers can join in.
• Standard — the everyday mode: six guesses, a clue, and optional hints.
• Expert — five guesses, no clue, no hints. For parents who claim words are easy.

Short, daily word practice is one of the easiest revision habits to keep — the same little-and-often principle behind our free KS2 SATs resources and Year 5/6 spelling word list.

Brainwave FAQs

How do you play Brainwave?

Guess the hidden five-letter word in six tries. After each guess, the tiles show which letters are in the word and which are in exactly the right spot. There is a clue to point you in the right direction, and hints if you get stuck.

Is Brainwave free?

Yes. The daily word is completely free and you do not need an account to play. Signing up (also free) saves your streak across devices and unlocks past words and spelling practice.

What age is Brainwave for?

It is designed for children aged 7 to 11, but the whole family can play. Junior mode gives Year 3 and 4 children a clue plus the first letter free, while Expert mode drops the clue and hints for grown-ups who fancy a real challenge.

Is there a new word every day?

Yes — one new word every day, and everyone in the family gets the same word, so you can compare scores at the dinner table. Come back daily to build your streak.