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

As the name spells out, CeraViva Edible Melting Candles are … well …. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

The motion was denied, and in the early hours of June 13, the center removed the letters spelling out the president’s name. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

The doctor has a right to contest these before a health law judge or the commission issues a final order spelling out any disciplinary action or dropping the case. — Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 8 July 2026

Ben mentioned before the risk factors that are spelled out in the SpaceX IPO, right? — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 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