🌍 American vs British · spelling

donut vs doughnut

A sweet, ring-shaped fried cake, often glazed or filled.

American
donut

“She grabbed a coffee and a glazed donut on her way to work.”

British
doughnut

“She grabbed a coffee and a glazed doughnut on her way to work.”

Good to know

"Doughnut" is the original, fuller spelling used in Britain, while "donut" is a simplified American variant popularised by chains like Dunkin'. "Doughnut" is also still common and accepted in the US.

Related comparisons

🌍 Is your English British or American?

Take the British vs American English Test — 20 word pairs, instant result.

Take the test

Built by the team behind Deep In.