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

This could add up fast for Gen Zers already shelling out money for tuition. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

But shelling out the dough doesn’t automatically grant access; potential members are vetted through a rigorous application process. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

That’s the standard that USC was expecting in shelling out over $11 million per year to its football coach. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Per Lambrook’s official website, Middleton and William will be shelling out a tuition cost of £11,176, or $15,144, for Charlotte and £10,270, or $13,917, for Louis, per term. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Sep. 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