labelling

labelling — noun

1. the work of attaching informative tags or stickers to goods or their containers,

1.nounB2
Definition

the work of attaching informative tags or stickers to goods or their containers, especially for sale; also the set of tags that are fixed to products

Example

New rules now require clear labelling of food products that contain common allergens.

regulatory: require + labelling of [product type]

Manuela checked the labelling on every box before the shipment left the warehouse.

Common collocations
  • product labelling
  • food labelling
  • clear labelling
  • accurate labelling
  • compulsory labelling
  • labelling requirements
  • affect labelling
  • check labelling
  • improve labelling
Synonyms
  • tagging

    more temporary or digital; suggests attaching a swing ticket or electronic marker rather than a printed adhesive label

  • marking

    broader; includes any sign, stamp, or imprint on a surface, not just an attached tag

  • branding

    focuses on creating a brand identity and image through logos, colours, and design, not just factual information

Usage Note

This uncountable noun (British English spelling) derives from the verb 'label'. In American English the preferred spelling is 'labeling' with a single 'l'. The word is especially common in retail, manufacturing, and regulatory contexts.

Common Mistakes

I peeled the labelling off the jar.
I peeled the label off the jar.
'labelling' is uncountable and refers to the process or the set of tags, not a single tag.
The labelling of the product was done by hand.
The product labelling was done by hand.
'labelling' as a noun already includes the idea of the activity; no need to say 'the labelling of' where a compound noun works.

Word family

  • label
    nounA2
  • label
    verbB1
  • labelled
    adjectiveB1
  • unlabelled
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words describe ways of identifying or describing an item, but they differ in method and purpose. 'Tagging' usually means attaching a temporary or removable marker — a shop may tag discounted clothes with a red sticker, or a warehouse may tag pallets with barcode labels. 'Marking' is the broadest of the three: any visible sign made on a surface, whether by printing, stamping, engraving, or writing. A manufacturer marks a best-before date directly onto a can, while 'labelling' involves a separate printed tag or sticker fixed to the item. 'Branding' goes beyond identification to build image: a company brands its products with a logo, colour scheme, and slogan to create recognition. For example, a bottle of water may be labelled with a nutrition facts sticker and branded with the company's name and blue wave design.

taggingmarking ↗branding ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • labelling requirements
  • labelling regulations
  • labelling system
  • labelling process
  • labelling standards

Prepositions

Etymology

GermanicOld FrenchEnglish

This noun comes from the verb 'label' (to fix a tag onto something) with the suffix '-ing', which turns the action into a noun. The verb 'label' entered English from Old French 'label' meaning a ribbon or strip, which in turn came from a Germanic root referring to a hanging cloth tag. The spelling 'labelling' (double 'l') follows the British convention of doubling the consonant when adding -ing to a verb ending in a single vowel + consonant.