spelling

noun

spell·​ing ˈspe-liŋ 

1

: the forming of words from letters according to accepted usage : orthography

2

a

: a sequence of letters composing a word

b

: the way in which a word is spelled

Examples of spelling in a Sentence

The American spelling is “color” while the British spelling is “colour.”

The words “made” and “maid” sound alike but have different spellings.

Recent Examples on the Web

The medical examiner’s office previously provided an incorrect spelling for Samuel’s first name. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2024

Many people on social media speculated that the woman was reading the phonetic spellings of the names and didn't have the full names written out in their normal spellings. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 10 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spelling

• finger spelling
• reformed spelling
• spelling bee
• spelling pronunciation

Kids Definition

spelling

noun

spell·​ing

ˈspel-iŋ

: the forming of words from letters

also : the letters composing a word