How to pronounce spelling
Say it like SPEL-ing. Spelling has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spelling. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPEL
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spelling pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of spelling
American and British speakers say spelling in essentially the same way: /ˈspɛlɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈspɛlɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPEL-ing.
What does spelling mean?
- forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
Where does spelling come from?
1400s, from spell (verb) + -ing.
Words that rhyme with spelling
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spelling.
Questions about saying spelling
How do you pronounce spelling?
Say SPEL-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈspɛlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spelling?
Spelling has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEL). Broken into parts: SPEL · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say spelling the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɛlɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈspɛlɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.