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Definition of spelling

spelling

/ˈspɛl.ɪŋ/
spell · ing
Plural:spellings
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spelling Lexical Profile

spelling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process or activity of writing or naming the letters of a word in the correct sequence.

Example

"The teacher emphasized the importance of accurate spelling and grammar in the students' essays."

2

The particular way in which a specific word is spelled.

Example

"American and British English often use different spellings for the same word."

3

A person's ability to spell words accurately.

Example

"Although he is an imaginative writer, his spelling still needs improvement."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for spelling

• Nearby Words

spellcheck
spellchecker
speller
spelling
spelt
spelunker
spelunking

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'spell' (from Old French 'espeler', meaning to read out letter by letter) combined with the verbal noun suffix '-ing'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spelling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spelling
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