spelling

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

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.
Scammers often create sites that appear close to the real thing but include extra words, odd spelling or strange endings. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 This story has been corrected to show the spelling of the Washington congresswoman’s first name is Suzan, not Susan. ABC News, 2 July 2026 Even more than his spelling book, Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language was an attempt to fashion the materials for writers to address that sort of condescension. Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 Everything in the 1990s was still on paper, from worksheets and book reports to spelling tests and art projects and maybe a note passed when the teacher turned her head. Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 June 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spelling. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

spelling

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

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