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 article has been updated to correct the spelling of candidate Rick Fox’s name. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove offensive language. —Oc Register, 8 May 2026

According to a document from the TEA shared with CBS Texas, some mistakes included incorrect math, wrong answer keys, spelling errors and more. —Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 8 May 2026

Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language. —Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 7 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