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

Mostly an afterthought in 2026 as a purely rotational player, Lee recently earned a job spelling both Gleyber Torres and Colt Keith at second and third, respectively. — John Laghezza, New York Times, 31 July 2026

The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 July 2026

Stephenson-Goodknight remembers double-checking the spelling of her search term. — Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

The series brings together celebrities, comedians, athletes and digital creators in high-pressure spelling challenges. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 23 July 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