What does "spelling" mean?
The act, practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words; orthography.
Spelling
/ˈspɛlɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act, practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words; orthography.
- Grammar: spelling is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: alphabetic spelling, alphabetic transcription, english spelling, form words.
- Useful contrasts: conceal, continue, delete.
- Usage evidence: Your composition was good except for the spelling.
How to use "spelling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "spelling" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "spelling" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "spelling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "spelling" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "spelling" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "alphabetic spelling" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "spelling", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act, practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words; orthography. uncountable
"For the practical use of spelling comes in writing."
- 2 forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage wordnet
- 3 The manner of spelling of words; correct spelling. uncountable
"Because Elizabethan spelling was fluid, editors feel free to ‘modernize’ (correct) the spelling in the quartos and the Folio. But how is one to spell Rosencratz or Guildenstern, where the spelling varies, not only from text to text, but even within texts?"
- 4 A specific spelling of a word. countable
"[p 253] *excellent Q2’s ‘extent’ is generally dismissed as an error, probably a mis-reading of ‘exlent’, a common spelling at this time. [p 269] reverend The spellings ‘reuerent’ (Q2) and ‘Reuerend’ (F) were interchangeable at this time. [p 466] Guildensterne and Rosincrance are F’s consistent spellings."
- 5 A spelling test or spelling bee. US, countable, dated, rare, uncountable
"The boys were anxious for a spelling in the evening but I said no."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A choice of notation among enharmonic equivalents for the same pitch. countable, uncountable
"The spelling of a pitch is strongly influenced by its harmonic and melodic context."
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of spell form-of, gerund, participle, present
"[p 88] A persuasive theory about the authority of the quarto or Folio texts might shed light on how Shakespeare actually spelt these names in a particular manuscript, but, since Shakespeare seemed capable of spelling his own name differently on different occasions, how reliable a guide would such evidence be?"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Your composition was good except for the spelling."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "spelling"?
Common synonyms include: alphabetic spelling, alphabetic transcription, english spelling, form words, language orthography, letter.
How do you use "spelling" in a sentence?
Your composition was good except for the spelling.
How do you pronounce "spelling"?
Pronounced /ˈspɛlɪŋ/.
Etymology
1400s, from spell (verb) + -ing.
More for "spelling"
Editorial Guides For "spelling"
Complement vs Compliment: Meaning, Memory Trick, Examples
Stop mixing up complement and compliment with one memory pattern and contextual examples.
Stationary vs Stationery: Avoid a Costly Typo
Use stationary and stationery correctly in business and school writing.
Advice vs Advise: Noun vs Verb in One Minute
Stop mixing up advice and advise in emails, reports, and client communication.