Correct spelling, explanation: both donut and doughnut are correct spellings of the same word, and both are widely accepted. The choice between them often depends on regional preferences and the style guide being followed. Donut is a more simplified, informal spelling commonly used in American English. Doughnut is the traditional and more formal spelling, often found in British English and other varieties of English. In everyday use, you can choose either form based on your preference or the conventions you’re following.

Definition of donut:
1. Noun, a small usually ring-shaped piece of sweet fried dough
Every morning, Jake treats himself to a cup of coffee and a glazed donut from the local bakery on his way to work.
The children gathered around the table, excitedly reaching for their favorite donuts with colorful sprinkles during the birthday party.
2. Noun, something (such as a mathematical torus) that has a round shape like a donut
The planetarium displayed a stunning image of Saturn, showcasing its distinctive ring system that resembled a giant cosmic donut.
The traffic camera captured the intersection from above, revealing a bustling city scene with cars moving in a circular pattern, reminiscent of a donut‘s shape.

Collocations with donut:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. Glazed donut: a donut coated with a sweet, often translucent icing.
My favorite treat at the bakery is their classic glazed donut.
2. Jelly-filled donut: a donut filled with fruit jelly or jam.
For breakfast, she enjoyed a warm cup of coffee with a jelly-filled donut.
3. Chocolate-covered donut: a donut coated in a layer of chocolate.
The chocolate-covered donuts at the new café are incredibly decadent.
4. Sprinkle-covered donut: a donut adorned with colorful sugar sprinkles.
The kids always choose sprinkle-covered donuts for dessert.

Correct spelling, explanation: both donut and doughnut refer to the same ring-shaped fried or baked pastry. The choice between the two spellings often depends on regional preferences and individual style guides. Donut is a simplified and more informal spelling that gained popularity, especially in the United States, likely due to its association with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain. This shorter version has become widely accepted and is commonly used in casual contexts. Doughnut is the traditional spelling and tends to be more prevalent in formal writing or in countries that follow British English conventions.