The word model can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it can refer to “a type or design of clothing”, or “a type or design of product (such as a car)”. As a verb, model refers to the activity of “creating a copy or description of an activity, a situation, etc. so that you can study it before dealing with the real thing”.
Is it spelled modeling or modelling?
The simple answer is that “modeling and “modelling” are both correct spellings and mean the same thing. The difference is based on UK English and US English preferences:
- British English spells “modelling” with the double “L”.
- American English spells “modeling” with one “L”.
The same goes with other verb forms of “model” in the past tense i.e., modeled and modelled; or as a noun, modeler and modeller.
Other words with the same spelling pattern
| UK English | US English |
| travelling, travelled | traveling, travelled |
| modelling, modelled | modeling, modeled |
| labelling, labelled | labeling, labeled |
Word forms of model
Other verb/noun forms also conform to the same spelling rules based on US/UK English:
| verb | model, models, modelled (or modeled), modelling (or modeling) |
| noun | model, modeller (or modeler) |
Sentences with modeling/modelling (present participle)
Brad and Cindy are modelling/modeling chunky knitwear on the beach.
Ralph’s been modelling/modeling since he was 16.
Have you ever thought of modelling/modeling as a career?
She got a job modelling/modeling shoes for a catalog company.
They’re modelling/modeling this year’s new spring fashions.
Sentences with modeled/modelled (past tense)
This finite set of data can be modelled/modeled by a growth curve.
The faces of the gods were modelled/modeled in white stone.
The wedding gown is being modelled/modeled for us by the designer’s daughter.
Synonyms of model
- reproduction
- imitation
- clone
- miniature
- copy
- replica
- duplicate
- pygmy (of a size that is less than average)
Phrases with model
- role model
Origin of the word model
Etymonline on model:
1570s, “likeness made to scale; architect’s set of designs,” from French modelle (16c., Modern French modèle), from Italian modello “a model, mold,” from Vulgar Latin *modellus, from Latin modulus “a small measure, standard,” diminutive of modus “manner, measure”.
—Etymonline, model.
Learn more about US English vs. UK English
- Which is it: “Favorite” or “Favourite”?
- Is it Spelled Metre or Meter?
- Which is Correct: Honour or Honor?
- Is it “Behaviour” or “Behavior”?
- Is it “Labour” or “Labor”?
- Favour or Favor (Which is Correct?)
- How to Spell Centre (Centre or Center?)
- “Defence” or “Defense” (Which Spelling is Correct?)
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of model.” Online Etymology Dictionary, Accessed 12 February, 2024.
- “Pygmy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pygmy. Accessed 12 Feb. 2024.
