The correct spelling is asterisk. Asterick is a common misspelling, not a standard alternative. An asterisk is the star-shaped symbol (*) used in writing, editing, mathematics, and digital communication. It can point readers to a footnote, mark a required field on a form, or represent multiplication in some contexts.
Because the word ends with a sound similar to “ick,” some people spell it as asterick. However, the final letter is k, not ck. Remembering the correct spelling helps you write clearly in school assignments, work documents, emails, and online forms.
This guide explains the difference between asterisk and asterick, shows how to use the word, and provides examples and memory tips. It also covers related terms and answers common questions about the asterisk symbol.
Quick Answer
Asterisk is the correct spelling for the star-shaped symbol (*). Asterick is a misspelling. Use asterisk when referring to a symbol that marks a footnote, identifies required information, or has another written or technical function. The word ends in -isk, not -ick.
Why People Confuse Asterisk and Asterick
People often confuse these spellings because the final sound of asterisk can resemble “ick” in casual pronunciation. When spelling from sound alone, it may seem natural to add ck.
The correct word, however, is asterisk. The spelling does not change in American or British English.
1. Asterisk: The Correct Spelling
Asterisk is a noun. It refers to the star-shaped symbol (*), which has several uses in writing and other fields.
Common Uses of Asterisk
- To direct readers to a footnote or note
- To mark a required field on a form
- To indicate omitted or altered information
- To represent multiplication in some contexts
- To stand in for letters or characters in certain text formats
Examples of Asterisk
- Add an asterisk beside the sentence and explain it in a footnote.
- The form uses an asterisk to mark required fields.
- The word has an asterisk after it because a definition appears below.
- In this expression, the asterisk represents multiplication.
2. Asterick: The Incorrect Spelling
Asterick is a misspelling of asterisk. It is not the standard spelling in dictionaries or formal writing.
If you mean the symbol (*), write asterisk.
Incorrect: Please add an asterick beside the required information.
Correct: Please add an asterisk beside the required information.
Asterisk vs Asterick: Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Asterisk | Yes | The star-shaped symbol (*) |
| Asterick | No | A common misspelling of asterisk |
When to Use Each
Use Asterisk
Use asterisk when referring to the symbol or its function.
Examples:
- The asterisk indicates that a note appears at the bottom of the page.
- Please fill in every field marked with an asterisk.
- The editor added an asterisk to clarify the quotation.
Avoid Asterick
Do not use asterick in standard English writing. If you see it in a draft, correct it to asterisk.
12 Examples of Asterisk in Sentences
- An asterisk appears beside the word to direct readers to a note.
- The website uses an asterisk to identify required fields.
- I added an asterisk to explain the unusual term.
- The asterisk points to additional information below the table.
- Please enter your email address in the field marked with an asterisk.
- The editor placed an asterisk beside the sentence.
- A small asterisk appears next to the product’s price.
- The symbol * is called an asterisk.
- The instructions explain what the asterisk means.
- In this equation, the asterisk stands for multiplication.
- The footnote begins with an asterisk.
- Check the note connected to the asterisk before submitting the form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Spelling It as Asterick
Incorrect: The asterick marks the required field.
Correct: The asterisk marks the required field.
2. Confusing the Symbol with Its Name
The symbol is *, and its name is asterisk. When writing the word in a sentence, spell it out unless the symbol itself is needed.
3. Assuming Asterick Is a Regional Variant
Asterick is not the standard British or American spelling. Use asterisk in both varieties of English.
Memory Trick
Remember that asterisk ends in “isk”:
aster + isk = asterisk
The final letter is k, with no c before it. You can also connect the word with the symbol: the asterisk is the star-like mark (*), and its name ends with -isk.
American vs British English
There is no spelling difference between American and British English for this word. Asterisk is correct in both varieties.
The misspelling asterick should be avoided in formal and informal writing alike.
Similar Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Asterisk | The star-shaped symbol (*) |
| Footnote | A note placed at the bottom of a page or section |
| Star | A general term for a star-shaped mark or object |
| Asterism | A group of stars or, in typography, a symbol made of three asterisks |
| Asterisked | Marked with an asterisk |
An asterisk can point to a footnote, but the words do not mean the same thing. The asterisk is the symbol; the footnote is the explanatory note.
Final Verdict
Asterisk is the correct spelling. Asterick is a misspelling and should not be used in standard English.
When writing about the star-shaped symbol (*), remember the ending -isk. This spelling works in both American and British English.
FAQs
1. Is it asterisk or asterick?
Asterisk is correct. Asterick is a misspelling.
2. What does asterisk mean?
An asterisk is the star-shaped symbol (*). It is often used to point to a footnote, mark required information, or serve a technical purpose.
3. How do you spell asterisk?
Spell it a-s-t-e-r-i-s-k: asterisk.
4. Is asterick ever correct?
Asterick is not the standard spelling of the word. Use asterisk instead.
5. Is asterisk spelled differently in British English?
No. Asterisk is the standard spelling in both British and American English.
6. What is the symbol for an asterisk?
The symbol is *.
7. What is the plural of asterisk?
The plural is asterisks.
Remember This
- Correct spelling: asterisk
- Incorrect spelling: asterick
- Symbol: *
- The word ends in -isk, not -ick.
Conclusion
The spelling asterisk is correct when referring to the star-shaped symbol used in writing, forms, footnotes, and other contexts. Although asterick may seem plausible because of the word’s pronunciation, it is not the standard spelling.
To avoid the mistake, remember the final k and the -isk ending. Whether you are writing for school, work, or everyday communication, use asterisk.
