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

Resume builders generally flag spelling and grammar problems in real time. —K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

Definitions and correct spellings are no longer the principal attraction. —Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

There used to be a spelling distinction between sugarplums (the fruit) and sugar plums (the candy). —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Clumsy wording or spelling mistakes. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 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