Doughnut vs. Donut
Today is a holiday—National Doughnut Day. It’s also National Go Barefoot Day, but that’s not why I’m writing. I’m writing to call attention to the proper spelling of the sweet treat that is honored the first Friday of June.
AP spelling is doughnut, and because most media outlets use AP Style, that’s why you’ll see this version of the word in news stories. The AP default dictionary does recognize the spelling donut for informal use, and so does the APA dictionary, where both words are listed (donut is called a variant of doughnut). The website devoted to this fine holiday also uses donut, and I guess we know which spelling is preferred by the creators of Dunkin’ Donuts, which happens to be giving away a freebie today with the purchase of a beverage. Krispy Kreme will also give you a free doughnut today—no purchase necessary.
So, it’s doughnut if AP Style rules your writing. Otherwise, the choice is yours.
