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.
The subpoena authority is spelled out in both the Boston City Charter and City Council rules. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The Common Council has seen vacancies before, and city's municipal code spells out what the alderperson and the city must do when someone declares their intent to resign. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 13 Apr. 2026 On its website, the IRS spells out the new deduction amounts available at different income levels. Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 In addition, the Higher Education Act spelled out that schools that receive federal funding need to comply with civil rights laws. Ryan Creps, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 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

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