Labeling vs. Labelling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 22, 2023
Both refer to the act of affixing a label. "Labeling" is the American spelling, while "labelling" is the British spelling.
Difference Between Labeling and Labelling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "labeling" is predominantly an American usage. "Labelling", on the other hand, reflects British conventions of spelling, much like "travelling" or "colour".
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
The essence of both words is the same: they denote the act or process of affixing a label or categorizing something. However, the choice between "labeling" and "labelling" depends largely on the intended audience and regional preferences.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Both versions are accepted in international contexts, but it's important to maintain consistency throughout a piece of writing. Using "labeling" in one sentence and "labelling" in the next can be jarring to the reader and may be seen as a lack of attention to detail.
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Aug 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Consistency in Writing
Used throughout American texts
Used throughout British texts
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Aug 22, 2023
Definitions
Labeling➦
The act of attaching labels to items
I finished the labeling of all the jars.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labelling➦
The process of affixing tags or stickers to objects.
The labelling of the parcels took an hour.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labeling➦
Categorizing or identifying something based on its characteristics
The labeling of him as an outsider was unfair.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labelling➦
Determining classifications for data in computing.
Accurate labelling of data improves algorithm performance.
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Aug 22, 2023
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Labeling➦
Designating products with specific quality standards
Labeling goods as organic requires verification.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labelling➦
Labelling or using a label is describing someone or something in a word or short phrase. For example, describing someone who has broken a law as a criminal.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labeling➦
An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labelling➦
Assigning a category or name based on attributes.
The labelling of her as a rebel wasn't accurate.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labeling➦
Marking containers with information
The labeling on the bottle shows it's expired.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labelling➦
Indicating content or instructions on packaging.
The labelling on the box provided clear instructions.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labeling➦
Applying tags or names to datasets in machine learning
Labeling data is an essential step in supervised learning.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labelling➦
Denoting a product's adherence to standards.
Labelling items as fair-trade ensures ethical sourcing.
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Aug 22, 2023
Labeling➦
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labelling➦
An item used to identify something or someone, as a small piece of paper or cloth attached to an article to designate its origin, owner, contents, use, or destination.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labeling➦
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labelling➦
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labelling➦
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
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Apr 28, 2019
Labeling➦
To identify or designate with a descriptive term; describe or classify
"He missed two crucial penalty kicks ... and was labeled a loser by the previously loyal British press" (Phil Ball).
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Apr 28, 2019
Labelling➦
To identify or designate with a descriptive term; describe or classify
"He missed two crucial penalty kicks ... and was labeled a loser by the previously loyal British press" (Phil Ball).
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Apr 28, 2019
Labeling➦
(biochemistry) The introduction of a traceable chemical group (e.g., containing an isotope or a fluorescent dye) into a protein or other biomolecule of interest so it can be tracked or quantified during experimental analysis.
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Apr 28, 2019
FAQs
Do both labeling and labelling have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same way.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
If I'm writing for a global audience, can I choose either labeling or labelling?
Yes, but ensure you use your chosen spelling consistently throughout your piece.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Is there a difference in meaning between labeling and labelling?
No, they both refer to the act of affixing a label or categorizing something. The difference is regional spelling.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Why are there two spellings: labeling and labelling?
"Labeling" follows American English spelling conventions, while "labelling" is in line with British English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Is one spelling more correct than the other between labeling and labelling?
Neither is more "correct"; the choice depends on the regional audience and spelling convention being followed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Can I use labeling and labelling interchangeably in writing?
It's best to maintain consistency based on your audience. Using both in the same document can confuse readers.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Are there other words with similar American and British spelling differences like labeling and labelling?
Yes, words like "traveling/travelling" and "color/colour" show similar differences between American and British spellings.
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Aug 22, 2023
Will people understand me if I use the "wrong" version in conversation?
In spoken English, they sound the same. So, there's no "wrong" version in conversation.
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Aug 22, 2023
In international contexts, which version should I use: labeling or labelling?
Both are acceptable in international contexts. However, consider your primary audience or follow the style guide you're working with.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
In software applications, which spelling is more common: labeling or labelling?
It depends on the software's primary market, but American English spellings like "labeling" are commonly used in many international software applications.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 22, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform.
Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
