shell out

verb

shelled out; shelling out; shells out

: pay

Synonyms of shell out

• spend
• pay
• lay out

Examples of shell out in a Sentence

we shelled out an obscene amount of money for those concert tickets

Recent Examples on the Web

Those personalities and others at the old WBD are also among the biggest critics of MAGA and the Republicans — ie, the people Musk is currently shelling out nearly $300 million to keep in power. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

So shoppers are shelling out more for groceries and any other goods that must be transported. — Michel Robe, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026

Yes, the suspiciously delicious chicken shelled out at mall food courts on toothpicks is most likely bourbon chicken. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026

While Disney no longer wanted to shell out more than $100 million a year to carry the Oscars, the company was willing to take on the Grammy Awards when CBS decided to pass. — Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shell out

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