misspelling

American

[mis-spel-ing] / mɪsˈspɛl ɪŋ /

noun

the act of spelling incorrectly.

Note his misspelling of that word.
an incorrectly spelled word.

You have three misspellings in your letter.

misspelling British

/ ˌmɪsˈspɛlɪŋ /

noun

a wrong spelling

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of misspelling

First recorded in 1685–95; mis- ¹ + spelling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in another instance, Epstein was critical of misspelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Naming is a big theme throughout the book, whether that be the misspelling of your maiden name or choosing your daughter’s names.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

The misspelling of the common "Keep Clear" warning appeared on a re-patched section of Watermoor Road in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

They say her note about “Dr. Trumpet” was a misspelling of Dr. Trombka, Sneed’s psychiatrist.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2024

She didn’t mind the misspelling of her name that much, but it bothered her when reporters had a lot to say about her appearance.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023