misspelling

1 of 2

noun

mis·​spell·​ing ˌmis-ˈspe-liŋ How to pronounce misspelling (audio)
: an incorrect spelling

misspelling

2 of 2

present participle of misspell

Examples of misspelling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The messages, scribbled on whatever scrap of paper a sender could find, often featured misspellings and shaky penmanship; many older residents of rural areas did not know how to read or write well, if at all. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 This story has been updated to correct the misspelling of a name. — Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 12 Aug. 2026 Watch for misspellings, unexpected words or extra letters added around a legitimate company name. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 But storefronts across the city have long been weird hodgepodges, rife with misspellings and aesthetic incoherence. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for misspelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misspelling was in 1582

Rhymes for misspelling

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Browse Nearby Words

misspell
misspelling
misspend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misspelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misspelling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

misspelling

noun
mis·​spell·​ing (ˈ)mis-ˈspel-iŋ How to pronounce misspelling (audio)
: an incorrect spelling
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