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".
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Spelling Origin
American English
British English
Number of "l"s
One "l"
Two "l"s
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Common in Regions
USA, Canada
UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Example Words
Traveling, signaling
Travelling, signalling
Consistency in Writing
Used throughout American texts
Used throughout British texts
Compare with Definitions
Labeling
The act of attaching labels to items
I finished the labeling of all the jars.
Labelling
The process of affixing tags or stickers to objects.
The labelling of the parcels took an hour.
Labeling
Categorizing or identifying something based on its characteristics
The labeling of him as an outsider was unfair.
Labelling
Determining classifications for data in computing.
Accurate labelling of data improves algorithm performance.
Labeling
Designating products with specific quality standards
Labeling goods as organic requires verification.
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.
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.
Labelling
Assigning a category or name based on attributes.
The labelling of her as a rebel wasn't accurate.
Labeling
Marking containers with information
The labeling on the bottle shows it's expired.
Labelling
Indicating content or instructions on packaging.
The labelling on the box provided clear instructions.
Labeling
Applying tags or names to datasets in machine learning
Labeling data is an essential step in supervised learning.
Labelling
Denoting a product's adherence to standards.
Labelling items as fair-trade ensures ethical sourcing.
Labeling
A descriptive term; an epithet.
Labelling
Alternative form of labeling
Labeling
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
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.
Labeling
(Architecture) A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
Labelling
A descriptive term; an epithet.
Labeling
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
Labelling
A distinctive name or trademark identifying a product or manufacturer, especially a recording company.
Labeling
(Chemistry) See tracer.
Labelling
(Architecture) A molding over a door or window; a dripstone.
Labeling
To attach a label to
Labeled the jars before storing them.
Labelling
(Heraldry) A figure in a field consisting of a narrow horizontal bar with several pendants.
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).
Labelling
To attach a label to
Labeled the jars before storing them.
Labeling
(Chemistry) To add a tracer to (a compound).
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).
Labeling
A set of labels applied to the various objects in a system.
Labelling
(Chemistry) To add a tracer to (a compound).
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.
Labelling
Present participle of label.
Labeling
Present participle of label
Common Curiosities
Do both labeling and labelling have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same way.
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.
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.
Why are there two spellings: labeling and labelling?
"Labeling" follows American English spelling conventions, while "labelling" is in line with British English.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
