How to Pronounce Spelling

To pronounce "spelling", say SPELL-ing — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈspɛlɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

spelling

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈspɛlɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “spelling”

"spelling" has 2 syllables: spell-ing. It rhymes with compelling and dwelling, if that helps it stick.

What does spelling mean?

verb

  1. To put under the influence of a spell; to affect by a spell; to bewitch; to fascinate; to charm.

verb

  1. To read (something) as though letter by letter; to peruse slowly or with effort.
  2. (sometimes with “out”) To write or say the letters that form a word or part of a word.

verb

  1. To work in place of (someone).

    “to spell the helmsman”

  2. To rest (someone or something), to give someone or something a rest or break.

    “They spelled the horses and rested in the shade of some trees near a brook.”

Synonyms

compriseforebodemeansignifyrelieve

Hear “spelling” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with spelling

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

compellingdwellingquellingtellingexpellingforetellingelongpropellingrepellingswellingyellingstorytelling

Related words

charmenchantmentpiecewritewhiletranceimporttour

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "spelling"?▾

"Spelling" has 2 syllables: spell · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "spelling"?▾

The IPA transcription of "spelling" is /ˈspɛlɪŋ/.

What does "spelling" mean?▾

Spelling: To put under the influence of a spell; to affect by a spell; to bewitch; to fascinate; to charm.

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