English UsageComparison guide

Armor vs. Armour

“Armor” is the standard US spelling; “armour” is the standard UK spelling of the same word. Do not treat one form as universally wrong: the choice is regional orthography, including in compounds such as body armor/body armour.

Quick answer

“Armor” is the standard US spelling; “armour” is the standard UK spelling of the same word.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional spelling
Rule Familyregional orthography
Termsarmor, armour
Variant ScopeThe difference is spelling, not a different protective-equipment meaning.

Further guidance

Core difference

“Armor” is the standard US spelling; “armour” is the standard UK spelling of the same word.

Fast Test

Choose the spelling required by the document’s regional or house style and keep it consistent.

Usage Boundary

Do not treat one form as universally wrong: the choice is regional orthography, including in compounds such as body armor/body armour.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Armor — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence identifying armor as the US spelling of armour.
  2. Armour — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence identifying armour as the UK spelling corresponding to US armor.

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“Prioritize” and “prioritise” are the same verb; Cambridge notes that UK English usually uses “prioritise,” while “prioritize” is standard in US-oriented English. Do not invent a meaning difference between the spellings; the choice is orthographic and regional.

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