Have you ever wondered whether you should write neighbor or neighbour? If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common spelling differences between American English and British English. The good news is that both spellings are correct. The only difference is the variety of English you’re using.
In American English, the preferred spelling is neighbor. In British English, as well as in many other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the preferred spelling is neighbour. Both words have exactly the same meaning and pronunciation—they simply follow different spelling conventions.
The word neighbor/neighbour can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a person who lives nearby or next door. As a verb, it means to be located next to or close to another place or person.
Whether you’re writing an email, a school assignment, a blog post, or professional content, knowing which spelling matches your audience will help make your writing more consistent and polished.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meanings, grammar rules, pronunciation, US vs. UK differences, examples, common mistakes, memory tips, and frequently asked questions about neighbor and neighbour.
Quick Answer
| Spelling | Correct? |
|---|---|
| ✅ Neighbor | Correct (American English) |
| ✅ Neighbour | Correct (British English) |
Both words have the same meaning.
Examples
- My neighbor helped me carry the groceries. (US English)
- Our neighbour invited us to dinner. (UK English)
What Does “Neighbor” Mean?
Neighbor is a noun and sometimes a verb.
As a noun, it refers to someone who lives close to you.
As a verb, it means to be located next to another place.
Examples
- My neighbor is very friendly.
- Canada neighbors the United States.
- We often visit our neighbors.
- The park neighbors the school.
What Does “Neighbour” Mean?
Neighbour has exactly the same meaning as neighbor.
It is simply the preferred spelling in British English, Canadian English, Australian English, and New Zealand English.
Examples
- My neighbour is always helpful.
- They are our next-door neighbours.
- The village neighbours a large forest.
- She greeted her neighbour warmly.
Neighbor vs Neighbour
| Feature | Neighbor | Neighbour |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| American English | Preferred | Rare |
| British English | Rare | Preferred |
| Canadian English | Less common | Preferred |
| Australian English | Rare | Preferred |
| Meaning | Person living nearby | Same meaning |
Grammar Role
As a Noun
- Friendly neighbor
- Next-door neighbour
- Good neighbor
As a Verb
- The park neighbors the river.
- The village neighbours the coast.
Examples
- We love our neighbors.
- She introduced herself to her new neighbours.
Neighbor in American English
American English always prefers neighbor.
Examples
- My neighbor is a teacher.
- We invited our neighbors over.
- The store neighbors the bank.
- He’s a great neighbor.
- Good neighbors help each other.
Neighbour in British English
British English prefers neighbour.
Examples
- Our neighbour brought us flowers.
- She is a kind neighbour.
- Good neighbours respect one another.
- The house neighbours a beautiful park.
- Every neighbour attended the meeting.
Pronunciation
Neighbor / Neighbour
UK IPA: /ˈneɪ.bə(r)/
US IPA: /ˈneɪ.bɚ/
Pronunciation:
NAY-bər
Both spellings are pronounced the same.
Common Uses
Community
- Good neighbor
- Helpful neighbour
Housing
- Next-door neighbor
- Nearby neighbour
Geography
- Neighboring country
- Neighbouring village
Everyday Life
- Visit your neighbors.
- Meet your new neighbours.
Neighbor vs Similar Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Neighbor | Person living nearby |
| Resident | Someone living in an area |
| Local | Person from the same area |
| Community member | Member of a neighborhood |
| Nearby resident | Person living close by |
Examples
- My neighbor is friendly.
- Every resident attended the event.
- The locals welcomed us.
Common Mistakes
American English
❌ My neighbour is friendly.
✅ My neighbor is friendly.
British English
❌ My neighbor is friendly.
✅ My neighbour is friendly.
Mixing Styles
Avoid switching between neighbor and neighbour in the same document. Choose one spelling and use it consistently.
Real-Life Examples
Home
- My neighbor watered my plants.
- Our neighbour looked after the house.
School
- My neighbor’s children attend the same school.
- The neighbours organized a school fundraiser.
Community
- Good neighbors support each other.
- Every neighbour joined the clean-up event.
Geography
- France is a neighboring country.
- The village neighbours a national park.
American English Example Sentences
- My neighbor is very kind.
- We invited our neighbors for dinner.
- The park neighbors the library.
- Every neighbor attended the meeting.
- Good neighbors help each other.
- My neighbor owns a bakery.
- We greeted our new neighbors.
- The school neighbors the playground.
- She borrowed sugar from her neighbor.
- Our neighbors moved last week.
British English Example Sentences
- My neighbour is very friendly.
- Our neighbours welcomed us warmly.
- The house neighbours the river.
- Every neighbour attended the event.
- Good neighbours care for one another.
- She visited her elderly neighbour.
- Their neighbours helped during the storm.
- The village neighbours a forest.
- We met our new neighbours yesterday.
- Our neighbour baked us a cake.
Easy Memory Tricks
American English
Use:
Neighbor
(No “u”)
British English
Use:
Neighbour
(Contains “ou”, like colour, favour, and labour.)
Remember
- US = Neighbor
- UK = Neighbour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is neighbor or neighbour correct?
Both are correct.
Which spelling is used in American English?
Neighbor.
Which spelling is used in British English?
Neighbour.
Do they have different meanings?
No. They have exactly the same meaning.
Are they pronounced differently?
No. Both are pronounced the same way.
Can neighbor be used as a verb?
Yes. It means to be located next to something.
Which spelling should I use?
Choose the spelling that matches your audience:
- Neighbor for American English.
- Neighbour for British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English.
People Also Ask
Why are there two spellings of neighbor?
American and British English developed different spelling conventions over time. The meanings remain exactly the same.
Is neighbour wrong?
No. It is the standard spelling in British English and several other English-speaking countries.
Which spelling is better for SEO?
Use the version your audience searches for:
- Neighbor for U.S. readers.
- Neighbour for UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
What’s the easiest way to remember the difference?
Think of other British spellings that include “ou,” such as colour, favour, and labour. If you’re writing in British English, neighbour follows the same pattern.
Conclusion
If you’re choosing between neighbor and neighbour, remember that both spellings are correct. The only difference is regional usage. Neighbor is the standard spelling in American English, while neighbour is preferred in British English, Canadian English, Australian English, and New Zealand English.
Since both words share the same meaning and pronunciation, your choice should depend on your audience. Using one spelling consistently throughout your writing will make your content look more professional and polished.
