Calender vs. Calendar: What Is the Correct Spelling?

When it comes to spelling, calender vs. calendar are two commonly confused words, but only one is correct. While they sound the same, their meanings are quite different. Calendar refers to the system of organizing days, weeks, and months, or a specific printed or digital version used for tracking dates and events. On the other hand, calender is an outdated term primarily referring to a machine used in textile manufacturing. 

Many people mistakenly use calender when they actually mean calendar. However, knowing the right spelling can help you avoid errors in both writing and communication. By the end of this guide, you’ll be confident in using calendar correctly and understand the unique context in which calender might appear. Let’s dive into the details and clear up any confusion surrounding these two similar-sounding words.

Understanding Calendar and Calender

Calendar: Definition and Usage

A calendar is a system used to organize days, months, and years, helping track time and events. It can refer to a physical or digital format, such as a wall calendar or an app. Commonly, people use calendars to plan schedules, holidays, and appointments. For example, “She marked her birthday on the calendar.”

Using Calendar in a Sentence

• I checked my calendar to see if I was free next Saturday.
• We need to schedule the meeting on the calendar for next week.
• Don’t forget to mark your vacation days on the office calendar.
• She glanced at the calendar to confirm the date of the event.
• I prefer using a digital calendar to keep track of my appointments.

Calender: Definition and Usage

A calender is a machine used in the manufacturing process, especially in textiles, to smooth or flatten materials. It consists of a series of rollers that apply pressure to fabric or paper. The term is less commonly used today but may still appear in industrial contexts. For example, “The fabric was processed through the calender to give it a smoother finish.”

Uing Calender in a Sentence

• The textile factory uses a calender to smooth out the fabric after dyeing.
• The paper went through the calender to achieve a glossy finish.
• The calender machine in the mill was running at full speed to process the cotton.
• After printing, the material was sent through the calender to give it a polished look.
• The engineer adjusted the calender rollers to prevent the fabric from wrinkling.

Calender vs. Calendar: How to Spell Calendar?

When deciding between calender and calendar, the correct spelling is calendar. The word calendar refers to a system used to organize and keep track of time, typically in the form of dates, months, and years. It can also refer to a physical or digital tool used for scheduling and planning.

On the other hand, calender is a less common term that refers to a machine used in the manufacturing process, particularly in the textile and paper industries, to smooth or flatten materials. While calendar is widely used, calender is typically only found in industrial or technical contexts.

So, to spell it correctly in everyday situations such as when discussing dates or scheduling use calendar.

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Trick to Remembering the Spelling

A simple trick to remember the spelling of calendar is to think of the word “calend”, which sounds like “end”, and remember that calendars help us mark the end of each day, week, and month. Another helpful tip is to note that calendar has an “a” in the middle, which is a common feature of words related to time. 

You can also associate calendar with events or appointments, both of which are part of everyday life. On the other hand, calender refers to a specific machine, so remembering that it’s related to industry rather than time can also help. Focus on the word’s use in scheduling and dates for clearer recall. Always remember, it’s calendar with an “a,” not “e.”

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of calender and calendar to help clarify their meanings, uses, and correct spelling:

Word	Definition	Part of Speech	Common Usage	Correct Spelling	Key Difference
Calendar	A system used to organize days, months, and years, or a physical or digital tool for scheduling events.	Noun	Used to track dates, appointments, and holidays. E.g., “Check the calendar for the meeting time.”	Calendar is correct	Refers to time organization and planning.
Calender	A machine used in the textile or paper industries to smooth or flatten materials.	Noun	Found in industrial contexts. E.g., “The paper was processed through the calender.”	Calender is incorrect in most contexts	Refers to a mechanical device in manufacturing.

Calendar and calender are often confused due to their similar pronunciation but have different meanings. Calendar is used to organize time, like marking dates, months, or scheduling events. Calender, however, refers to a machine used in the manufacturing process, typically in textiles or paper. The key difference is that calendar deals with time, while calender is associated with industry.

Everyday Usage Examples

Calendar

• I marked the dentist appointment on my calendar for next Thursday.
• We need to buy a new calendar to track all the important dates this year.

Calender

• The factory uses a calender to smooth the paper before printing.
• The fabric was processed through the calender to give it a glossy finish.

FAQs

Which is correct, calendar or calender?

The correct spelling is calendar. Calender refers to a machine used in manufacturing.

How do you spell Callander?

Callander is a proper noun, such as a place name, and is spelled with double “l” and an “a”.

Does calendar have a capital C?

Calendar only has a capital C when it begins a sentence or is part of a title.

Why is calendar spelled with an A?

Calendar comes from the Latin word calendarium, meaning “account book,” where “A” is part of its historical evolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calendar is the correct spelling when referring to a system used to organize time or an event-planning tool. Calender is a different word, typically used in industrial contexts, referring to a machine. Understanding the proper usage of these words ensures clarity in both writing and communication. 

The spelling of calendar with an “A” has historical roots linked to the Latin word calendarium. By remembering these distinctions, you can avoid common spelling mistakes and use the words correctly.