Behavior vs. Behaviour
“Behavior” is the US spelling and “behaviour” is the UK spelling. Use the form consistent with the regional variety or editorial style of the document.
Use “behavior” in American English and “behaviour” in British English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| American English spelling | behavior | use “behavior” |
| British English spelling | behaviour | use “behaviour” |
Quick tests
Audience-style test
Which regional spelling standard does the document follow?
If yes: Use “behavior” in American English.
If no: Use “behaviour” in British English.
Caveat: Both spellings are standard in their respective varieties; the editorial priority is consistency with the document’s chosen variety.
Examples
The study measured user behavior after the redesign.
“Behavior” matches American English spelling.
The study measured user behaviour after the redesign.
“Behaviour” matches British English spelling.
Choose one regional spelling system and keep it consistent across the document.
The difference is regional, not a universal correctness distinction.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Behavior” is the US spelling and “behaviour” is the UK spelling. Use the form consistent with the regional variety or editorial style of the document.
Fast Test
Choose by meaning, grammatical function, and documented regional convention rather than treating every visible variant as an error.
Variant Boundary
Both spellings name the same concept; the distinction is regional.
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.
- BEHAVIOR — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · US spelling “behavior”
- BEHAVIOUR — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK spelling “behaviour”; entry cross-references US “behavior”