A spelling competition is an event in which participants compete to spell words correctly. The term SPELLING COMPETITION can be broken down into three parts: SPELLING, COM, and PETITION. The solution for the first part of the term is BEE, a three-letter word that refers to a social insect known for its ability to communicate through a complex system of dances. This is an apt metaphor for a spelling competition, as participants must also communicate through a complex system of letters and words.