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

The event, meant to bow in early December, historically has shelled out millions to lure top talent like Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Williams and Halle Berry. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Both airlines, which merged in 2024 but operate as distinct brands, are also working on opening airport lounges to lure customers willing to shell out for luxury travel. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

The two favorites according to DraftKings—the Panthers and 2026 champion Carolina Hurricanes, each with +650 odds—haven’t shelled out big bucks to any players. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Despite the fact that most existing stadiums are architecturally sound, cities and states are facing pressure to shell out billions of dollars in public funding to support shiny new ones. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 29 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