What does misspell mean?
Misspell means to write a word or other expression incorrectly, usually by using the wrong letters or placing them in the wrong order. The word is common in educational, editorial, and proofreading contexts, where it describes mistakes such as adding an extra letter, leaving one out, or confusing similar spellings. “Misspell” has two closely related applications: it can refer to the technical act of spelling a particular word incorrectly, and it can be used more broadly for writing a name, place, or phrase inaccurately. It is normally transitive, as in “They misspelled her name,” while the related noun “misspelling” names the error itself. In everyday discussion, “misspell” often implies a simple or well-known spelling mistake, although it can also be used for errors in forms, titles, and proper names. The verb is standard in both British and American English.
verbTo spell a word incorrectly, especially by omitting, adding, or transposing letters. It can also refer more broadly to representing a name or phrase inaccurately in writing.
- To spell a word incorrectly by using the wrong letters, order, or form.
- To write or represent a name, place, phrase, or other expression inaccurately.
"The guide misspelled the author's name on the title page."
"Many people misspell occasions as occassions."
"The publisher issued a corrected edition after misspelling the author's surname throughout the introduction."
Even a single misplaced letter can turn a carefully written message into an accidental error that readers notice immediately.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of misspell
Misspell was formed in the 17th century by combining the prefix miss- with spell, following the older English sense of “fail to do” or “do incorrectly.” The spelling “misspell” became standard, while “misspelt” is also widely accepted in British English. The word belongs to a family including spell, spelling, respell, and misspelling.
Related word forms
How misspell is actually used
Misspell is a formal and commonly used verb. It is transitive and normally takes a word, name, or phrase as its object.
Easily confused with misspell
To misspell is to write something incorrectly, whereas to misspeak is to say or pronounce something incorrectly.