What does spellchecked mean?
Spellchecked means that something has been examined for errors in spelling. It is commonly used for documents, manuscripts, essays, web pages, and other written work, especially when a final proofreading step is being emphasized. For example, a publisher may request a spellchecked copy before typesetting or release, while a student may submit a spellchecked assignment. Although the literal sense means only that a spelling check has occurred, the word often carries the practical implication that obvious spelling errors have also been corrected. It is therefore more specific than the broader word checked and more informative than merely saying that text is final. The form is especially associated with publishing, education, journalism, and digital content production, but it is natural in everyday conversation too. As with any spelling check, it cannot detect every possible mistake, particularly errors involving names, technical terminology, or context-dependent spelling.
Having been checked for spelling errors, especially in a document or other piece of written work.
"The editor received a spellchecked manuscript by the end of the day."
Often implies, but does not strictly guarantee, that detected spelling errors have been corrected.
To check the spelling of a text or document and, informally, to correct any spelling errors found.
"She spellchecked the article before sending it to the editor."
The third-person singular form is also spelled spellchecked; the spelling can look like an adjective in isolation.
Spellchecked turns the familiar compound verb into a concise seal of approval: this text has already survived a careful look at its letters.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of spellchecked
The word is formed within the compound verb spellcheck, combining spell with check. The verb spellcheck developed in the late 20th century as computing and digital writing became widespread. Its past-participle and adjectival form, spellchecked, follows the ordinary pattern of adding -ed to the compound, with the final consonant doubled. The component spell belongs to the Germanic language family and is related to words including spelling, speller, and spelt.
Related word forms
How spellchecked is actually used
Common in formal and informal English, particularly in publishing, education, proofreading, and document preparation. It describes a completed check and does not necessarily guarantee that every error has been found.
Easily confused with spellchecked
Spellcheck is the verb or noun naming the act of checking spelling, whereas spellchecked describes text or a document that has undergone that check.
Unchecked means that no check has been performed, while spellchecked means that a spelling check has been completed.