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

Here, that messaging is spelled out in garish Jokerman typeface. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026

Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted any security commitments should be clearly spelled out, including who would act, and how, if Russia attacked again. — Willem Marx, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

Still, some details are lacking, and a special session of the legislature could be called to spell out exactly how the amendment will work. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

Features from Future and Young Thug—the only guests on the album save labelmate Rylo Rodriguez—basically spell out the crossover Baby's looking to emulate. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 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