Defence vs. Defense — Which Spelling Should You Use?

Ever wonder if it’s “defence” or “defense”?

It’s a common question, especially if you read both American and British content.

Today, Midoo AI will help you understand the difference so you can use the correct spelling every time — and never second-guess yourself again.

Defense — American English

Definition:

“Defense” (with an s) is the standard spelling in American English.

Examples:

• The team played great defense in the game.
• He spoke in his own defense during the trial.
• Good defense is key to winning basketball games.
• The country is improving its national defense.
• She made a strong defense of her decision.

Tip:

If you’re writing for American readers, always use defense (with an s).

Defence — British English

Definition:

“Defence” (with a c) is the standard spelling in British English (also used in Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries).

Examples:

• The soldiers were ready to provide defence.
• He gave evidence in his own defence.
• The football team has strong defence skills.
• The city built walls for defence.
• Her lawyer spoke in her defence.

Tip:

If you’re writing for British or Commonwealth readers, use defence (with a c).

Quick Trick to Remember

• American English → defense (s)
• British English → defence (c)

Example sentence:

• The U.S. government spends a lot on national defense, while the U.K. invests in national defence.

FAQ

Q: Are “defense” and “defence” the same word?

A: Yes — same meaning, just different regional spellings.

Q: Will people understand me if I use the other version?

A: Yes, both are widely understood. Just stay consistent within your writing.

Q: Does the pronunciation change?

A: No, both are pronounced the same.

Final Tip from Midoo AI

Use defense (s) for American English and defence (c) for British English.

It’s that simple — and once you know the difference, you’ll never confuse them again. ✨