Search Dictionary
Definition of misspell

misspell

/ˌmɪsˈspɛl/
mis · spell
Adjective:misspelled
•
Past Simple:misspelled
•
Past Participle:misspelled
•
Present Participle:misspelling
JUMP TO:

misspell Lexical Profile

misspell Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To spell a word incorrectly by using the wrong letters or placing them in the wrong order.

Example

"Please double-check your application to make sure you did not misspell the recipient's name."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for misspell
Antonyms
View all antonyms for misspell

Word Nuance & Usage

Ironically, 'misspell' is itself frequently misspelled as 'mispell' by omitting one of the two consecutive s's (one from the prefix 'mis-' and one from the root 'spell'). In American English, the past tense and past participle are exclusively 'misspelled', whereas British English uses both 'misspelled' and 'misspelt'.

• Rhymes for misspell

• Nearby Words

missive
missouri river
misspeak
misspell
misspelling
misspend
misstate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'spell' (from Old French 'espeller', meaning to read out or decipher letters, of Germanic origin).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misspell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misspell
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.