English has become the official language of 67 countries worldwide and is constantly expanding. This variety of changes brings a rich diversity of dialects and spelling variations of the same words. One example is the difference between ‘labelled’ and ‘labeled.’
What do the Terms “Label” and “Labelled” mean?
The verb ‘label’ refers to a physical term for assigning a label or tag to an object, document, or item. It helps organisations and companies to differentiate and categorise their items. The spellings ‘Labelled’ and ‘labeled’ are both correct, with the former being more prevalent in British English and the latter in `American English.
The term ‘Labelled’ is the past participle of the verb “label.” Label and labelled have the same meaning with different spellings according to regional differences. Labelled is mainly used in British and Australian English.
What is the Difference Between Labeled and Labelled?
Label and Labelled, with the same meanings and different spellings, are the past tense of verbs. Both words refer to categorising and distinguishing with a tag known as label. This verb may also be used negatively to refer to some category. Here are some examples that show the clear difference between labeled and labelled.
| Labelled | Labeled | |
| Countries | UK and Australia | US |
| Spelling | ‘Labelled’ with double ‘l’ is correct. | Labeled with single ‘l’ is standard |
| Examples | Hamid labelled the package. | Shanaya labeled her folder. |
| The wine bottles were labelled correctly. | Tin cans were labeled properly. | |
| Many products were labelled incorrectly | Many products were labeled incorrectly. | |
| All document files of different subjects were labelled properly. | All document files of science subjects were labeled properly |
What Do You Mean by Labelling and Labeling
The spelling difference also applies to ‘labelling’ vs. ‘ labeling.’ ‘Labeling’ and ‘Labelling’ are similarly used as ‘labeled’ and ‘labelled’ in the US and Australia, similarly to humor vs. humour. Labelling with a double “l” is correct in British English, and labeling with a single ‘l’ is standard in American English. It is important to use one spelling at a time to maintain consistency (e.g., cancelled, travelled).
For Example:
| Labelling | Labeling |
| Put your objects on shelves after labelling. | Put your objects on shelves after labeling. |
| The labelling process is essential in distribution. | Proper labeling process in distribution ensures clarity. |
| I don’t like labelling people I barely know. | I don’t like labeling people I barely know. |
| I was labelling my clothes when you were shouting at me. | I was labeling my clothes when you were shouting at me. |
| Labelling someone based on one encounter is not fair. | Labeling someone based on one encounter is not fair. |
Which Spellings are Correct? Label or Lable
The word lable is incorrect. Many people spell label as lable but this is always an error and should be avoided to use correct spellings.
The word is written correctly as “label.” The most common misspelling of “label” is “lable”. The last two letters are switched in this misspelling, resulting in “lable.” This mistake also occur in other similar words like center vs. centre and color vs. colour. It may occur due to a typographical error or a simple typing oversight. This error may also arise when “label” rhymes with similar words that end with “le” like “table,” “stable,” and “cable.” However, the correct spelling is always “label.”
Did you mean “label”?
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- INCORRECT: Lable
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- CORRECT: Label
Here are some examples to clarify the spelling of a label as a noun.
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- There is no lable on this sweater.
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- There is no label on this sweater.
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- I haven’t labled any gifts yet.
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- There is no label on this sweater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both “labelled” and “labeled” spellings are correct. “Labelled” is commonly used in Australian English, while “labeled” is preferred in American English. They both refer to the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to label,” meaning to attach a tag or designation to something for identification or categorisation.
In Canada, both “labelled” and “labeled” are accepted spellings. Canadian English often follows British and Australian English conventions, favouring “labelled” with a double ‘l.’ However, due to the influence of American English, “labeled” with a single ‘l’ is also commonly used and understood in Canadian writing.
In Australia, the preferred spelling is “labelled.” and “labelling” with ‘ing.’ Australian English tends to follow British spelling conventions, so “labelled” is more commonly used.
The word “label” is a noun or a verb that refers to a particular tag or designation used for identification. “Labelled” is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to label,” indicating that something has been marked or designated with a label.
“Labelled” means something marked or designated with a label, tag, or identifier. It indicates that an object, item, or concept has been given a specific name, category, or description for the purpose of identification or organisation.
The examples for ‘labeled’ and ‘labelled’ are the same as they have similar meanings. Examples of labelled items include labelled jars in a pantry indicating their contents (e.g., “flour,” “sugar,” etc.), labelled folders in a filing cabinet with names or categories and labelled diagrams in textbooks providing annotations or descriptions for clarity and understanding.
A labelled diagram is a visual representation of anything, such as a drawing or illustration that includes annotations or labels to identify and explain the various parts, components, or features of the depicted object, system, process, or concept.
