Start with a clear shape
For Bicycle, start with two wheels, a frame, and handlebars. Those simple shapes may be all your team needs.
DRAW · GUESS · PLAY
420 Pictionary Words: Easy, Medium & Hard Lists
Looking for Pictionary words to draw? Browse easy words like apple and bicycle and tricky ideas like time travel. Pick your favorites from the list below, then copy or print them for your next game.
WORDS READY TO DRAW420
3 difficulty levels7 categories
Pick a few favorites or make a list for your whole game.
YOUR WORD BANK
420 wordsPictionary Word List by Difficulty
Choose a difficulty, find a favorite theme, and check the words you want to use.
Check the words you want to keep. Your picks stay selected even when you change the difficulty, category, or search. With no words selected, Copy and Print use the words in the current list.
Easy
140 wordsEasy Pictionary Words
Familiar things and everyday activities that are easy to recognize in a quick sketch.
Objects 20
Animals 20
Food 20
Places 20
Actions 20
Nature 20
Phrases 20
Medium
140 wordsMedium Pictionary Words
More detailed objects, actions, and scenes that may need several clues.
Objects 20
Animals 20
Food 20
Places 20
Actions 20
Nature 20
Phrases 20
Hard
140 wordsHard Pictionary Words
Trickier phrases, unusual scenes, and ideas that call for a creative drawing.
Explore Hard Pictionary Words ↗Objects 20
Animals 20
Food 20
Places 20
Actions 20
Nature 20
Phrases 20
Ready to play without picking each word?Get a random word
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
How to Pick Good Words to Draw
Choose words your group can recognize from a picture. A short word is not always easier to draw.
Add the details that matter
For Hot Air Balloon, draw the large balloon and the basket underneath. Clouds or a sky can help distinguish it from an ordinary balloon.
Show an idea through a scene
For Domino Effect, draw one domino knocking over the next. Showing the chain reaction makes the idea easier to guess.
What feels easy depends on who is playing. Look through the words before you start and change the difficulty whenever you like.
MATCH YOUR PLAYERS
Which Pictionary Words Should You Choose?
Playing with kids, family, or friends? Here are a few ways to choose words everyone will enjoy.
Kids and first-time players
Start with EasyChoose Animals, Food, or Objects. A cat, pizza, or umbrella is easier to show quickly than an abstract idea. Give new artists extra time if needed.
Try: Cat · Pizza · Umbrella
Family or mixed-age games
Mix Easy and MediumStart with familiar words for younger players and add trickier ones for experienced artists. Agree on a time limit and whether anyone can skip a word.
Try: Lighthouse · Bicycle · Waterfall
Friends and experienced groups
Try Medium and HardMix in actions, unusual scenes, and phrases once everyone knows the rules. The fun is finding creative ways to draw an idea.
Try: Juggling · Time Travel · Domino Effect
TAKE IT OFFLINE
How to Make a Printable Pictionary Word List
Hosting a game without passing around a phone? Turn the words into paper slips that players can draw from a bowl.
- Choose your words. Browse by difficulty or category and check the ones you want. To print the full list you are viewing, leave the boxes unchecked.
- Print the words. Click Print selected or Print visible words. A print window will open with words laid out as slips you can cut apart.
- Cut, fold, and play. Put the slips in a bowl, let the artist take one, and keep the answer hidden from the guessers.
How many words do you need?
Plan one word for each turn, plus a few extras in case someone wants to skip. If two teams each take five turns, prepare 10 words—or 15 to 20 for more choice.
Choose words to printCOMMON QUESTIONS
Pictionary Word List FAQs
What are some good Pictionary words?
Start with simple things like apple, bicycle, or rabbit. For a bigger challenge, try hot air balloon, lighthouse, or a phrase like domino effect.
How many drawing words do I need for a game?
Plan for at least one word per turn, plus a few extras if you allow skips. For two teams playing five turns each, 10 words cover the planned turns; picking 15 or 20 gives you more choice.
Can I print this Pictionary word list?
Yes. Check the boxes beside the words you want and choose Print selected. If you have not selected any words, choose Print visible words to print the words in your current list. Cut the printed sheet into slips for your game.
Can I copy only the words I want?
Yes. Check the words you want and click Copy selected. To copy all the words in the current list, leave all boxes unchecked and click Copy visible words.
What is the difference between easy, medium, and hard words?
Easy words usually name familiar objects or actions. Medium words need a few more details to draw. Hard words may be tricky scenes or phrases. Pick whichever level feels fun for your group.
Are these official Pictionary game cards?
No. This is an independently created list of drawing-game prompts, not official Mattel Pictionary cards, and this website is not affiliated with Mattel.
Can I use these words with children or adults?
Yes. Easy words are a good starting point for younger or first-time players. Add Medium or Hard words if your group wants more of a challenge. Look through the list first to make sure the words suit everyone.