spell
spell Lexical Profile
spell Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To write or name the letters that form a word in their correct sequence.
"Could you please spell your surname slowly so I can enter it accurately into the register?"
To lead to, signify, or inevitably result in a particular consequence (often an undesirable one).
"A sudden drop in spring temperatures could spell disaster for the blossoming fruit orchards."
American To take the place of someone at a task or duty for a short time so that they may rest.
"During the long drive across the state, she offered to spell him at the wheel for a couple of hours."
• noun
A spoken word or form of words held to have magic power, or a state of enchantment caused by such a formula.
"According to the ancient folktale, the sorcerer cast a sleeping spell over the entire castle."
A short or indefinite period of time marked by a particular activity, weather condition, or physical state.
"The region experienced a prolonged dry spell that severely affected the late summer harvest."
A power of strong fascination, attraction, or psychological influence exerted by a person, place, or work of art.
"The audience fell completely under the spell of the cellist's expressive performance."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, the past tense and past participle of the verb are almost exclusively 'spelled', whereas British, Australian, and New Zealand English commonly use both 'spelt' and 'spelled'.
• Rhymes for spell
Word Origin & Etymology
The word represents a convergence of three related Germanic and Romance roots: the noun meaning an incantation derives from Old English 'spell' (story, saying, or tale); the verb meaning to name letters comes from Old French 'espeller' (to read out or explain), which itself had Germanic origins; and the sense of a period of work or relief comes from Old English 'spelian' (to act as a substitute for someone).