Neighbours or Neighbors: Correct Spelling and Usage Guide 2026

Many people wonder whether to write neighbours or neighbors because both spellings appear in books, websites, emails, and social media. One is common in British English, the other in American English, which often confuses students, writers, bloggers, and businesses publishing content online.

Is one spelling wrong? More professional? Preferred by Google? The answer: both are correct they just follow different regional conventions. Over time, English spelling evolved differently in the UK and the US, while the meaning stayed the same.

In this article, you’ll learn the difference between neighbours and neighbors, their origins, British vs. American usage, common mistakes, and practical examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly which spelling to use and when.

If you want, I can also turn this into a full SEO-optimized article with headings, tables, examples, FAQs, and a meta description, just like your previous articles. Do you want me to do that?

Neighbours or Neighbors – Quick Answer

Neighbours is British English spelling.
Neighbors is American English spelling.

Both words mean the same thing: people who live near you.

Examples:

✅ My neighbours invited me for tea. (British English)
✅ My neighbors invited me for coffee. (American English)

Quick rule:

Use neighbours in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
Use neighbors in the United States.

The Origin of Neighbours or Neighbors

Where the word comes from

The word comes from Old English nēahgebūr, meaning near dweller.
It combines:

nēah = near
gebūr = dweller or farmer

Over time, this became neighbour in Middle English.

Why spelling changed

In the 1800s, American lexicographer Noah Webster wanted simpler spellings. He removed extra letters from many British words.

That is why:

neighbour → neighbor
colour → color
favour → favor

British English kept the older spelling, while American English simplified it.

British English vs American English Spelling

The difference between neighbours and neighbors is purely spelling. The meaning is exactly the same.

Comparison Table

Feature	Neighbours	Neighbors
English type	British	American
Correct spelling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Meaning	People living nearby	People living nearby
Used in UK	✅ Yes	❌ Rare
Used in USA	❌ Rare	✅ Yes
Formal writing	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

There is no grammar difference, only spelling.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Use neighbours if:

Your audience is in the UK
You write for Australia, Canada, or New Zealand
You follow British English rules
Your brand uses UK spelling

Use neighbors if:

Your audience is in the United States
You write for American schools or businesses
You follow American English rules

For global audiences

If your audience is international:

Choose one spelling
Stay consistent
Match your website language setting

Professional tip:
Mixing spellings looks unprofessional. Pick one style and stick to it.

Common Mistakes with Neighbours or Neighbors

Here are common errors people make:

Mixing spellings in one article
❌ neighbours + neighbors
Thinking one spelling is wrong
→ Both are correct
Using American spelling on British websites
❌ neighbours → neighbors (UK site)
Changing spelling inside quotes
→ Keep original spelling
Assuming spelling changes meaning
→ Meaning stays the same

Neighbours or Neighbors in Everyday Examples

Emails

✅ Our neighbours are moving next week. (UK)
✅ Our neighbors are moving next week. (US)

News Writing

✅ Local neighbours raised money for charity.
✅ Neighbors helped after the storm.

Social Media

✅ Best neighbours ever ❤️
✅ My neighbors are too loud 😅

Formal Writing

✅ Community support among neighbours is strong.
✅ The program helps low-income neighbors.

Neighbours or Neighbors – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows:

Neighbors is searched more in the US
Neighbours dominates searches in the UK

Popularity by country:

United States → neighbors
United Kingdom → neighbours
Canada → mixed, but British spelling common
Australia → neighbours

SEO insight:

Using the correct spelling for your target country improves:

Search visibility
User trust
Click-through rate

Neighbours vs Neighbors Comparison Table

Aspect	Neighbours	Neighbors
Correct word	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
British English	✅ Yes	❌ No
American English	❌ No	✅ Yes
Same meaning	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
SEO safe	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Professional usage	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

FAQs About Neighbours or Neighbors

1. Are neighbours and neighbors the same?

Yes, same meaning, different spelling.

2. Is neighbours British English?

Yes, it is British spelling.

3. Is neighbors American English?

Yes, it is American spelling.

4. Which spelling is more correct?

Both are correct.

5. Can I use both spellings together?

No, choose one and stay consistent.

6. Which spelling should I use for SEO?

Use the spelling your audience searches for.

7. Does pronunciation change?

No, both are pronounced the same.

Conclusion

The difference between neighbours or neighbors is simple but important. Both words mean the same thing: people who live near you. The only difference is spelling, and that difference depends on the type of English you use.

Neighbours follows British English rules and is common in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. Neighbors follows American English rules and is standard in the United States. Neither spelling is better or more correct than the other.

What matters most is consistency. Choose the spelling that matches your audience, your region, or your brand style. Using the correct spelling builds trust, improves clarity, and helps with SEO.

Once you understand this difference, you will never feel confused again. Pick the right spelling, use it confidently, and keep your writing clear and professional.

Ethan Hawkesley

Hi, I’m Ethan Hawkesley. I love writing and exploring the English language. On Thinkoora.com, I share tips, insights, and explanations to help readers understand words and writing more easily.