Cambridge uses “disk” for information-storage devices and also records regional variation for general circular-object, media, and body senses, where “disc” is common and often mainly UK while US “disk” also occurs.
ReviewedEvidence2 sourcesSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
Use the spelling tied to the sense and domain: “disk” is standard for many data-storage uses, while “disc” is common for compact discs and many general round-object senses, with regional variation.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional-spelling-and-sense
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termsdisk, disc
Variant ScopeCambridge uses “disk” for information-storage devices and also records regional variation for general circular-object, media, and body senses, where “disc” is common and often mainly UK while US “disk” also occurs.
Further guidance
Core difference
This pair mixes domain convention with regional variation; it is not accurately reduced to “disk = US, disc = UK” in every context.
Fast Test
Identify the intended sense first, then apply the documented regional or domain spelling for that sense.
Variant Boundary
Keep established technical compounds and official product terminology as written, and check the specific sense before changing spelling.
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.
“Counsellor” is mainly British spelling and “counselor” is the usual US spelling for the shared advice-giving sense; some US senses are specifically recorded under counselor.
For the raised edge of a road, Cambridge documents US “curb” and UK “kerb.” The verb and noun “curb” meaning control or limit are separate senses and are not changed to “kerb.”
“Draft” has independent senses such as an unfinished version of writing. For several other senses—including a current of cold air—Cambridge documents UK “draught” and US “draft.”
