Doughnut vs. Donut
Sometimes words enter our language and become so common place that it doesn't really matter to most people if they are not technically "correct." When the new spelling-correct or not-is widely recognized and does not impede the meaning of the words, it is likely to stick around and become more and more accepted. Donut is a perfect example of this phenomenon of change in language over time. Let's take a look!
Doughnut is the traditional, correct spelling for the noun that refers to a round or ball-shaped dessert made of fried, sweet dough.
1. Police officers like to eat doughnuts.
2. Can we have doughnuts for breakfast on Saturday morning?
3. Is there a doughnut shop near the beach house?
4. I like to eat doughnuts that are covered in glaze and icing, but my sister likes doughnuts that are filled with jelly or cream.
The spelling-donut-has become more popular in the United States because of the chain of doughnut stores called "Dunkin' Donuts." While the spelling is incorrect, more and more people are using this spelling in place of doughnuts. It is a phonetic spelling, where "doughnut" is the technically correct spelling.
So, what should you do? When you need to be correct-in formal writings, or in instances where you are concerned that the reader may look for correct spellings-you should always choose doughnut, unless you are referring to a specific brand name. In everyday language and usage, though, you can use donut without censure.
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