What does misspelling mean?
A misspelling is an error in the way a word or name is written. It can result from ignorance of the correct spelling, a typing mistake, confusion between similar words, or carelessness. The term is useful when discussing writing, editing, education, proofreading, and digital communication. Unlike a misspelled word itself, which is an instance of incorrect spelling, a misspelling names the error as a category. In formal publishing and schoolwork, the word often appears in instructions to find, mark, or correct errors, such as “a common misspelling” or “correct the misspelling.” It can also describe a mistake in a person's name, an address, a product label, or another written detail.
nounA mistake in spelling a word or name. A misspelling differs from the accepted or intended spelling of a word.
- An incorrect or nonstandard spelling of a word or name.
"The sign contained a misspelling of the restaurant's name."
"Students are asked to correct any misspelling in the final draft."
"The website's spell-checker identified a misspelling in the address."
The plural is used when referring to several incorrect written forms.
"The editor corrected several misspellings in the manuscript."
A single misplaced letter can change a familiar word into an entirely different one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misspelling come from?
The word combines the prefix miss-, meaning “wrongly” or “badly,” with spelling, meaning “the act or result of writing a word in its correct form.” Its development follows the older verb misspell, which has existed since the early 17th century. The longer form misspelling became established in the 19th century as a term for an error in written form.
Related word forms
How misspelling is actually used
Generally neutral and appropriate in formal and informal contexts. It is used for an incorrect written form, while a spoken error is more usually described as a pronunciation mistake.