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

Google assuredly spelled out its reservation of rights to advertise, at a minimum, its own and its affiliates products or services. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Swift’s fans figured out Tuesday that the third letter of each word/term — when rearranged — spelled out Encore. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

But the doc often relies on how well known these stories are to get out of JAŸ spelling out their grim particulars. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

His 122-page indictment, which named Badio and the Colombians among others, spelled out a power grab that also involved people in the president’s circle. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 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