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spell

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The definition of a spell is a word or words which are supposed to hold magical power, an influence that cannot be resisted, or a trance.

(noun)

An example of a spell is saying "abracadabra."
An example of a spell is the charm of a prince on a princess in a fairytale.
An example of a spell is a person with their eyes open, but unconscious.

Spell is defined as saying each of the letters in a word.

(verb)

An example of spell is a child telling his teacher the letters that make up a specific word.

See spell in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a word, formula, or form of words thought to have some magic power; incantation
seemingly magical power or irresistible influence; charm; fascination
a trance

Origin: ME < OE, a saying, tale, charm, akin to Goth spill, tale < ? IE base *(s)pel-, to speak loudly

transitive verb spelled or spelt, spelling

to name, write, or signal the letters which make up (a word, syllable, etc.), esp. the right letters in the right order, together with any required hyphens, apostrophes, accents, etc.
to make up, or form (a word, etc.): said of specified letters
to signify; mean: hard work spelled success

Origin: ME spellen < OFr espeller, to explain, relate < Frank *spellōn, akin to spell

intransitive verb

to spell a word, words, etc.; esp., to do so correctly

transitive verb spelled, spelling

Informal to serve or work in place of (another), esp. so as to give a period of rest to; relieve
Chiefly Austral. to give a period of rest to

Origin: ME spelien < OE spelian, to substitute for, akin to spala, a substitute

intransitive verb

Chiefly Austral. to take a period of rest or relief

noun

a turn of serving or working in place of another
a period or turn of work, duty, etc.: a two-year spell as reporter
a turn, period, or fit of something: a spell of brooding
a period of a specified sort of weather: a cold spell
Informal a period of time that is indefinite, short, or of a specified character
☆ Dialectal a short distance
Informal a period or fit of some illness, indisposition, etc.
Chiefly Austral. a period of rest or relief from activity

See spell in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb spelled spelled or spelt (spĕlt), spell·ing, spells

verb, transitive

To name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word).
To constitute the letters of (a word): These letters spell animal.
To add up to; signify: Their unwise investment could spell financial ruin.

verb, intransitive

To form words by means of letters.

Phrasal Verbs: spell down To defeat in a spelling bee. spell out To make explicit and clear: asked him to spell out his objectives. To name or write in order the letters that constitute (a word or part of a word): spelled out my name.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English spellen, to read letter by letter

Origin: , from Old French espeller

Origin: , of Germanic origin

noun

a. A word or formula believed to have magic power.
b. A bewitched state; a trance.
A compelling attraction; charm or fascination: the spell of the theater.

transitive verb spelled spelled, spell·ing, spells

To put (someone) under a spell; bewitch.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, discourse

Origin: , from Old English

noun