Most dictionaries include both spellings and will make note of the two spellings. Usually the differences are noted in one of two ways:
In many US dictionaries the difference is included in the headword with the variation in parentheses:
For example colo(u)r
In British Dictionaries, the Dictionary makes note of the difference in brackets immediately after the headword:
For example watch, plural watches; glass, plural glasses
The table provides a list of the main differences between British and American spelling:
| British | American |
| -our (honour) | -or (honor) |
| -re (centre) | -er (center) |
| -ogue (dialogue) | -og (dialog) |
| -ence (defence) | -ense (defense) |
| -ise 1 (recognise) | -ize (recognize) |
|
American English spelling sometimes does not double the consonant at the end of a word, while British English spelling does, especially when the consonant is an 'l'.
For example travel, traveller, travelling (British) and travel, traveler, traveling (American) |
