Definition

Noun: A competition where participants are required to spell words aloud, typically following specific rules, and are removed from the competition if they spell a word incorrectly.

Usage

This term refers to a formal competitive event, often for students, that tests orthographic skill and knowledge. The primary rule is that a misspelling results in elimination.

Examples

• The student practiced for months before entering the spelling contest.
• She won the national spelling contest by correctly spelling "logorrhea."
• The rules of the spelling contest were explained clearly before it began.

Advanced Usage

• To be in/enter a spelling contest: To participate.
  • He decided to enter the school spelling contest.
• To win/lose a spelling contest: To be victorious or be eliminated.
  • After a tense final round, she won the spelling contest.

Variants and Related Words

• Spelling bee (n): A common synonym for a spelling contest. While often used interchangeably, "spelling bee" strongly implies a traditional, often public, school-level competition.
  • He is the champion of the county spelling bee.

Synonyms

• Spelling bee
• Orthography competition

Related Phrases

• Spell-off (n): A tie-breaking round in a spelling contest.
  • The two finalists faced each other in a dramatic spell-off.

Noun

1. a contest in which you are eliminated if you fail to spell a word correctly