Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

reverse spelling

noun

Definition of reverse spelling

: an unphonetic and unetymological spelling imitating the same spelling in words where it is etymological but no longer phonetic (as limb from lim, compare lamb, where b is etymological; delight from delit, compare light; Swanage from Swanwich \ˈswänij\ compare savage)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about reverse spelling

Statistics for reverse spelling

Look-up Popularity

Comments on reverse spelling

What made you want to look up reverse spelling? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

apposite

Listen to the pronounciation of apposite

highly pertinent or appropriate

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games