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 article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jeffrey Rosenberg's name. —Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026

This story was updated to correct the spelling of Jacobs in one instance. —Christopher Weber, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Registration is open for the fifth annual Coastwise Spelling Prize, which invites students from La Jolla schools to compete in a spelling bee for awards. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

They will be edited for spelling, grammar and clarity. —Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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