Despatch vs. Dispatch
“Dispatch” is the broadly used spelling. Cambridge also records “despatch” as a UK variant, especially in British usage. The two spellings can carry the same send/report senses, so the main choice is regional or house-style consistency rather than a change in meaning.
Use “dispatch” as the safest general spelling. “Despatch” is an accepted UK variant; keep whichever form your regional or house style requires.
Key details
Further guidance
Consistency
When both are acceptable for the intended audience, choose one spelling and keep it consistent.
General Usage
Cambridge uses “dispatch” as the main entry.
Uk Variant
Cambridge explicitly marks “despatch” as a UK variant.
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.
- Dispatch — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary record for dispatch and UK despatch variant
- Despatch — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary record identifying despatch as a UK variant of dispatch