Is It Labelled or Labeled? | Meaning, Spelling & Examples
Labelled and labeled both are correct spellings of the past tense of the verb “label,” which means “attach a label to something” or “categorize something or someone.” The spelling depends on the type of English you use:
- In British English, “labelled” with a double “l” is standard.
- In American English, “labeled” with one “l” is correct.
Examples: Labelled or labeled in a sentence
Susie has accidentally labelled/labeled all the jeans incorrectly.
I was labelled/labeled a rebel as a teenager.
Leron labelled/labeled every book on the shelf in one afternoon.
Susie has accidentally labelled/labeled all the jeans incorrectly.
I was labelled/labeled a rebel as a teenager.
Leron labelled/labeled every book on the shelf in one afternoon.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as cancelled or canceled, levelled or leveled, and travelled or traveled.
Labelling or labeling
The spelling difference also applies to labelling or labeling.
- In British English, “labelling” with a double “l” is correct.
- In American English, “labeling” with one “l” is standard.
Examples: Labelling or labeling in a sentence
I don’t like labelling/labeling people I barely know.
I was labelling/labeling my clothes when you rang me.
Labelling/labeling someone based on one encounter is not fair.
I don’t like labelling/labeling people I barely know.
I was labelling/labeling my clothes when you rang me.
Labelling/labeling someone based on one encounter is not fair.
The difference in spelling is also true for similar verbs, such as modeling or modelling and traveling or travelling.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Five important differences are:
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Frequently asked questions about labelled or labeled
Is it labeled or labelled in Canada?
Labelled and labeled are both correct spellings of the past tense of the verb “label.” The preferred spelling depends on the type of English.
In this instance, Canada follows the British English convention, so the word is spelled labelled (double “l”).
This difference in spelling is also true for other words, such as modelling or modeling and travelling or traveling.
Is it labelled or labeled in Australia?
Labelled and labeled are both correct spellings of the past tense of the verb “label.” The preferred spelling depends on the type of English.
In Australia, they generally follow British English conventions, which means they prefer labelled (double “l”).
This difference in spelling is also true for other words, such as modelling or modeling and travelling or traveling.