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 story has been updated to correct a spelling error. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

Bon Jovi changed the spelling of his name while keeping the sound the same. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Less so, however, is one piece of advice still being touted by the FBI as somehow relevant as 2024 moves into 2025: check the spelling used in any correspondence. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Editor’s note: This story was updated Dec. 6, the same day as publication, to correct the spelling of Dorothée Chaoui-Derieux’s name. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Dec. 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