spelling

1 of 2

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

spelling

2 of 2

present participle of spell entry 1, spell entry 3, spell entry 5

Examples of spelling in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

However, don't rely entirely on spelling mistakes or punctuation. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

One of those groups called themselves the Jaggers, in a nod to their favorite singer, but quickly changed the spelling to Jaggerz. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

The story has been updated to correct the spelling of Faith Hedgepeth’s last name in one reference. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

This version corrects the spelling of the last name of Sweden’s EU affairs minister. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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