# spelling

/ˈspɛɫɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈɛlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spelling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. writing words correctly

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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

### 2. a specific version of a word

noun · CEFR B1

a particular way that a word is written.

For teachers: 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

### 3. musical notation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way a musical note is written on a page.

For teachers: 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

## Examples

- Please check your spelling before you send the email.
- The teacher noticed that the student's spelling had improved significantly after a month of reading more books.
- English orthography is notoriously difficult because the spelling of a word often reflects its historical etymology rather than its modern pronunciation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.