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

There’s a reason spelling bees are only common in English-speaking countries: English spelling is absurd. —Gabe Henry, Time, 15 Apr. 2025

This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Mayor Kevin McCarty’s name. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Apparently, his son Jabari fell from an A+ to an A in spelling, so Darnell is living up to his promise of beating Gregory’s ass if Jabari’s grades ever slipped. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025

And if someone uses a correct variant spelling, kudos to them. —Anna Holmes, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for spelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• swelling

Kids Definition

spelling

noun

spell·​ing

ˈspel-iŋ

: the forming of words from letters

also : the letters composing a word