English UsageComparison guide

Signalling vs. Signaling

“Signalling” and “signaling” are regional spelling variants of the same verb and noun forms. British English normally doubles the l, while American English normally uses one l. Match the spelling system used elsewhere in your document.

Quick answer

Use “signalling” in British-oriented spelling and “signaling” in American-oriented spelling. Both represent the same word; consistency is more important than mixing regional systems.

Key details

Core differenceBritish spelling typically doubles l; American spelling typically uses one l
Rule FamilyBritish versus American spelling
Termssignalling; signaling

Further guidance

American

Use “signaling” when following American spelling conventions.

British

Use “signalling” when following British spelling conventions.

Consistency

Apply the same regional spelling policy to related forms throughout a document.

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. Signaling definition and meaning (opens in a new tab)HarperCollins Publishers · Current dictionary evidence distinguishing British signalling and US signaling spelling

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