spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out
Synonyms of spell outnext

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

Examples of spell out in a Sentence

the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In each case, council members had to decide whether to use their power, spelled out in the City Charter, to suspend colleagues accused of wrongdoing — stripping away their duties until their criminal cases were resolved. Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 The 2015 Iran nuclear deal was a long and granular instrument that spelled out, in detail, the limits on Iran’s nuclear program. Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026 The agreement spells out sanctions relief for Iran and calls for the creation of a $300 billion economic development fund. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2026 The agreement says the US will issue waivers allowing Iran to export oil and spells out provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, among other measures. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spell out

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spell out was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster