English Reference

Word

spelling

Phoneticsspell·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈspɛɫɪŋ/

UK/spˈɛlɪŋ/

Definitions

01writing words correctly

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun

n. the act of forming words with the correct letters in the right order.

n. the process of forming words with letters; the orthographic representation of a language.

“You should check your spelling before you send the email to your boss.”

“The teacher noticed that the student's spelling had improved significantly after they started reading more English novels.”

Usage

uncountable in this general sense

Pitfall

I have a bad spelling.

I am bad at spelling.

When talking about your ability, use 'spelling' as an uncountable activity rather than a countable object.

Synonyms

orthography

02a specific version of a word

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a particular way that a word is written.

n. a specific sequence of letters used to represent a word, often used when comparing regional variations.

“The American spelling of 'color' does not have a 'u'.”

“The dictionary lists 'organize' as the primary spelling, though 'organise' is also widely accepted in British English.”

Usage

countable in this sense

Synonyms

03musical notation

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical

n. the way a musical note is written on a page.

n. the choice of notation among enharmonic equivalents for the same pitch, such as choosing between F-sharp and G-flat.

“The composer chose a different spelling for the note to make it easier to read.”

“Correct enharmonic spelling is essential for performers to understand the underlying harmonic function of a chord within a complex sequence.”

Usage

refers to how a pitch is represented in a specific key

Synonyms

Etymology

1400s, from spell (verb) + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

spelling(A1)

Domain

Music

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference