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spelling

noun spell·ing \ ˈspe-liŋ \
|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018
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

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Examples of spelling in a Sentence

  1. The American spelling is “color” while the British spelling is “colour.”

  2. The words “made” and “maid” sound alike but have different spellings.

Recent Examples of spelling from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spelling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of spelling

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

SPELLING Defined for Kids

spelling

noun spell·ing \ ˈspe-liŋ \
1 : an exercise or the practice of forming words from letters
2 : the letters composing a word
  • What is the correct spelling of your name?

Learn More about spelling

  1. See words that rhyme with spelling Spanish Central: Translation of spelling Nglish: Translation of spelling for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spelling for Arabic speakers

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