spelling

noun

spell·​ing ˈspe-liŋ How to pronounce spelling (audio)
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
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.
Some of her proudest moments as a child included placing 2nd in a spelling contest at Zion Lutheran School, getting picked for good parts in the Christmas plays in grade school and making the high school honor roll. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 Students from La Jolla Elementary, Bird Rock Elementary and Torrey Pines Elementary schools, The Gillispie School, The Children’s School, All Hallows Academy, The Evans School, La Jolla Country Day School and Stella Maris Academy are invited to compete in the spelling bee. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Peak Popularity: With this spelling, the name only appeared on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) top 1,000 baby girl names list in 1998. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 7 Jan. 2025 Other Redditors chimed in on the spelling mistake, sharing their thoughts on the unusual gaffe. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for spelling 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near spelling

Cite this Entry

“Spelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spelling. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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