spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out

transitive verb

1

: to make plain

spelled out the orders in detail

2

: to write or print in letters and in full

numbers are to be spelled out

Synonyms of spell out

• explain
• illustrate
• clarify
• demonstrate

Examples of spell out in a Sentence

the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man

Recent Examples on the Web

After a day of legal maneuvers and thunderstorms, workers began the process in the early morning hours of removing the letters spelling out the Republican president’s name from the facade of the iconic performing arts venue. —Steven Sloan, Fortune, 13 June 2026

For people earning more than their state’s limit for Medicare coverage (100-138% of the FPL) but less than 400% of the FPL, income caps spelled out in premium tax credit rules are also rising slightly. —Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Each piece spells out a message—happiness, beauty, and magnificence—in the ancient pictorial writing. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026

Its plight is spelled out in securities filings containing cryptic language. —CBS News, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spell out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

spell out

verb

1

: to make very plain

our duties were spelled out

2

: to write or print in letters and in full