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

It has been edited only for spelling, grammar, punctuation and style. —Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

These routines have immediate application to reading and spelling and help students become independent readers. —Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

This story was updated to correct the spelling of Juan Albarrán's name. —Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Jan. 2026

This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Wade McElroy, the co-owner of Rocco's. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 29 Dec. 2025

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