English UsageComparison guide

Labeled vs. Labelled

“Labeled” and “labelled” are regional spellings of the same past-tense/past-participle and adjective forms of “label”; Cambridge explicitly marks the US/UK distinction.

Quick answer

Use “labeled” in ordinary US English and “labelled” in ordinary UK English.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional-inflection
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termslabeled, labelled
Variant ScopeCambridge marks “labelled” as UK and “labeled” as the usual US spelling for the past form/adjective.

Further guidance

Core difference

The forms have the same grammatical functions; the spelling differs by regional convention.

Inflection Boundary

Use the regional spelling consistently in running prose, while preserving official names and quoted text.

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. Label — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Label verb inflection with -ll- and US usually -l-; labelled/labeled forms

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