spelling

1 of 2

noun

spell·​ing ˈspe-liŋ How to pronounce spelling (audio)
Synonyms of spelling
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

spelling

2 of 2

present participle of spell entry 1, spell entry 3, spell entry 5

Examples of spelling in a Sentence

Noun 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And there is no English-language spelling version of it, correct? — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Kevin Owen, not Owens. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Correction This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Malachi Toliver. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Some spellings of his name appear as Armes, an adjustment to the Finnish spelling Armas preferred by his family. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spelling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spelling was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing spelling

Rhymes for spelling

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Browse Nearby Words

spellican
spelling
spelling bee
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Cite this Entry

“Spelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spelling. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spelling

noun
spell·​ing
ˈspel-iŋ
: the forming of words from letters
also : the letters composing a word

More from Merriam-Webster on spelling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spelling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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