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

This was Soma’s third year in the national spelling bee. —Ayana Archie, NPR, 31 May 2024

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Miki Agrawal's last name in the second paragraph. —Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 28 May 2024

Here’s a look at the eight spellers from North Carolina, and one Charlotte-area speller from Clover, South Carolina, based on their bios on the spelling bee website: Aishwarya Kallakuri Aishwarya Kallakuri, 13, is in seventh grade at Valor Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in Concord. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024

Just be aware that city names are listed with local spellings, such as Praha for Prague. —Albert Stumm, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 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