Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 Spelling · Spell·ing · IPA /ˈspɛlɪŋ/ n. a. 01 n. The act of one who spells; formation of words by letters; orthography. 1. The act of one who spells; formation of words by letters; orthography. 02 a. Of or pertaining to spelling. 1. Of or pertaining to spelling. Phrases & compounds Spelling bee — a spelling match. Spelling book — a book with exercises for teaching children to spell; a speller. Spelling match — a contest of skill in spelling words, between two or more persons.