If you have ever wondered if to write “asterisk” or “asterick,” the correct spelling is asterisk. The word asterisk refers to the star-shaped symbol (*) commonly used in writing, mathematics, footnotes, search forms, and digital communication. Although many people pronounce the word in ways that sound like “asterick,” asterick is a misspelling in standard English.
Understanding the difference between these spellings helps you write more accurately in school assignments, professional documents, emails, and online content. The confusion often happens because the final sound of asterisk may resemble a “k” sound, leading some people to add the letter c before the final k. However, pronunciation does not always make English spelling obvious. In this guide, you will learn the correct spelling, meaning, pronunciation, practical examples, common mistakes, and simple memory tricks to help you remember asterisk with confidence.
Quick Answer: Asterisk or Asterick?
Asterisk is the correct spelling, while asterick is a misspelling. An asterisk is the star-shaped symbol (*), often used to mark footnotes, indicate required fields on forms, or represent multiplication in certain contexts. Remember to spell the word A-S-T-E-R-I-S-K, ending with “isk,” not “ick.”
Why Do People Confuse Asterisk and Asterick?
People often confuse asterisk and asterick because the word’s final sound can resemble the sound of “ick” or “ick” with a hard k. When people write words based on how they hear them, they may accidentally choose the wrong letters.
Several factors contribute to this spelling mistake:
- Pronunciation: The ending of asterisk can sound like “risk” or “rиск” with a strong final k sound.
- Unfamiliar spelling: Some people rarely write the full word and may remember only how it sounds.
- Spelling patterns: English contains many words ending in “-ick,” which can influence how people spell unfamiliar words.
- Limited practice: People who use the symbol frequently but rarely name it may be unsure of the correct spelling.
The easiest solution is to learn the correct spelling and connect it with the symbol it represents: asterisk (*).
What Does Asterisk Mean?
An asterisk is a small star-shaped symbol written as *. It has several uses depending on the context.
Common uses include:
- Footnotes: Directing readers to additional information at the bottom of a page.
- Required fields: Marking information that must be entered on a form.
- Mathematics and computing: Representing multiplication or serving as a special character in programming and search tools.
- Writing and editing: Marking corrections, omissions, or other editorial details in certain formats.
- Digital communication: Replacing letters in censored words or indicating an action in informal messages.
Examples:
- Please read the note marked with an asterisk (*).
- Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
- In many programming languages,
5 * 3means five multiplied by three.
What Does Asterick Mean?
Asterick is not the standard spelling of the word. It is generally considered a spelling error when someone intends to refer to the symbol called an asterisk.
For example:
- Incorrect: Add an asterick beside your answer.
- Correct: Add an asterisk beside your answer.
If you see asterick in a school assignment, website, email, or document, the intended word is almost certainly asterisk.
Asterisk vs. Asterick: Comparison Table
| Feature | Asterisk | Asterick |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling status | Correct | Incorrect |
| Standard English usage | Yes | No |
| Meaning | The star-shaped symbol (*) | No standard meaning in this context |
| Part of speech | Noun | Usually an attempted misspelling |
| Example | An asterisk marks a footnote. | An asterick marks a footnote. |
| Suitable for formal writing | Yes | No |
When Should You Use Asterisk or Asterick?
Use Asterisk
Use asterisk whenever you refer to the star-shaped symbol or its function in writing, mathematics, computing, or communication.
Examples:
- Place an asterisk after the sentence.
- The asterisk indicates an additional note.
- Enter your email address in the field marked with an asterisk.
Avoid Asterick
Avoid asterick in formal and informal writing when you mean the symbol. It is not the accepted spelling.
Instead of writing:
- Incorrect: The asterick indicates a required field.
- Correct: The asterisk indicates a required field.
Remember that the difference is not about American versus British spelling. Asterisk is the standard spelling in both varieties of English.
12 Examples of Asterisk in Sentences
Here are 12 practical examples showing how to use asterisk correctly.
- An asterisk appears next to the word that needs an explanation.
- Please fill in every field marked with an asterisk.
- The editor added an asterisk to indicate a footnote.
- You can use an asterisk to represent multiplication in many programming languages.
- The search engine allows users to enter an asterisk as a wildcard in certain searches.
- The asterisk beside the price directs customers to the terms and conditions.
- She placed an asterisk after the sentence to reference an additional note.
- The teacher explained the meaning of the asterisk during the lesson.
- An asterisk can indicate that some information has been omitted.
- The form uses an asterisk to identify mandatory questions.
- In this equation, the asterisk represents multiplication.
- Remember to spell asterisk correctly in your report.
Common Mistakes When Spelling Asterisk
Even experienced English users sometimes make spelling mistakes with unfamiliar words. Here are some errors to avoid.
1. Writing Asterick Instead of Asterisk
Incorrect: The asterick indicates a note.
Correct: The asterisk indicates a note.
The correct spelling ends in -isk, not -ick.
2. Adding an Extra Letter
Incorrect: Asterisck
Correct: Asterisk
Avoid adding extra letters to the end of the word.
3. Confusing the Word With the Symbol
The word asterisk names the symbol, while * is the symbol itself.
Correct: The word “asterisk” refers to the symbol *.
4. Assuming Different Regional Spellings Exist
Unlike words such as color and colour, asterisk does not have a standard American and British spelling difference.
Correct in American English: Asterisk
Correct in British English: Asterisk
Memory Trick: How to Remember Asterisk
A simple memory trick can help you avoid the spelling mistake.
Remember: ASTER + ISK = ASTERISK.
Focus on the last three letters: I-S-K.
You can also connect the word to its symbol:
- Asterisk =
* - Asterick = incorrect spelling
Try saying the word slowly while spelling it aloud:
A-S-T-E-R-I-S-K.
Writing the word several times and using it in sentences can help reinforce the correct spelling.
Asterisk in American vs. British English
There is no standard spelling difference between American and British English for this word.
| Variety of English | Correct spelling | Example |
|---|---|---|
| American English | Asterisk | The asterisk marks the required field. |
| British English | Asterisk | An asterisk indicates a footnote. |
| Australian English | Asterisk | Add an asterisk beside the entry. |
| Canadian English | Asterisk | The asterisk refers to an explanatory note. |
The spelling remains asterisk across these varieties. Differences may occur in pronunciation or in how the symbol is used in particular contexts, but not in the standard spelling.
Similar Words Related to Asterisk
Learning related terms can help you understand how symbols function in writing and communication.
- Star: A general name for a star-shaped figure. An asterisk is a specific typographic symbol.
- Footnote: Additional information printed at the bottom of a page.
- Wildcard: A character used to represent one or more characters in certain searches or computing operations. An asterisk serves this role in some systems.
- Symbol: A character or sign that represents an idea, object, operation, or instruction.
- Bullet point: A typographic mark used to introduce an item in a list. A star may sometimes be used as a bullet.
- Obelisk: A dagger-shaped typographic mark (†), sometimes used for notes or references.
- Hash sign: The symbol
#, used for hashtags and other purposes.
These terms are related to symbols and typography, but they are not interchangeable in every context.
Final Verdict: Asterisk or Asterick?
The correct spelling is asterisk. The spelling asterick is incorrect when referring to the star-shaped symbol (*).
Use asterisk in essays, emails, websites, reports, forms, and technical documents. Remember the final letters I-S-K, and you will be less likely to make this common spelling mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is asterisk or asterick correct?
Asterisk is correct. Asterick is a common misspelling and should be avoided in standard English writing.
2. How do you spell asterisk correctly?
The correct spelling is A-S-T-E-R-I-S-K. It ends with the letters I-S-K, not I-C-K.
3. What is an asterisk (*) used for?
An asterisk is used to mark footnotes, identify required form fields, represent multiplication in some programming languages, and perform wildcard functions in certain search systems.
4. Why do people spell asterisk as asterick?
People often spell it incorrectly because the word’s final sound resembles a hard “k” sound. They may write the word as they hear it instead of remembering its standard spelling.
5. Is asterick ever correct in English?
Asterick is not the standard spelling for the symbol. It may appear as a typo or an intentional nonstandard spelling, but the accepted word is asterisk.
6. Is asterisk spelled differently in British and American English?
No. Asterisk is the standard spelling in both British and American English.
7. What is the plural of asterisk?
The plural is asterisks.
Example: The document contains three asterisks referring to additional notes.
8. How do you pronounce asterisk?
It is commonly pronounced AS-tuh-risk or AS-tuh-r isk, with stress on the first syllable. Pronunciation can vary slightly by accent, but the spelling remains asterisk.
Remember This
- Correct: Asterisk
- Incorrect: Asterick
- Symbol:
* - Plural: Asterisks
- Main use: Marking notes, required fields, and certain mathematical or computing operations.
The most important point is simple: write “asterisk,” not “asterick.”
Conclusion
The difference between asterisk and asterick is straightforward: asterisk is the correct spelling, while asterick is a misspelling when referring to the star-shaped symbol. Although the word may sound as if it ends in “ick,” its final letters are I-S-K. Remembering this small detail can improve your spelling and make your writing clearer.
if you are completing a form, writing an assignment, editing a document, or working with computer code, use asterisk whenever you refer to the symbol *. With a little practice and the memory trick in this guide, you can confidently recognize and use the correct spelling in everyday English.
David Henry is a language enthusiast and content writer specializing in synonyms, vocabulary, and word meanings. He creates clear, engaging resources that help readers improve their writing, communication, and English skills.
