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

Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and clarity. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

The first spelling bee was held in 1925. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Throughout Wednesday’s quarterfinals and semifinals, spellers will be eliminated at the microphone through oral spelling or vocabulary questions. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 26 May 2026

Nicole Ellison, a University of Michigan professor whose 2006 study showed that dating profiles with spelling mistakes turn people off, now thinks people are warming to the Tinder typo. —Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 21 May 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