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 audit spelled out 17 recommendations, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would formalize foundation processes on facilities rentals and on donor transparency. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025 Those connections aren’t spelled out literally so much as they are illuminated cinematically. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2025 The statute does not clearly spell out what would happen if commissioners failed to approve a nominee, leaving open questions about how a stalemate would be resolved. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025 Naturally, the whole poem is an acrostic, spelling out S-T-E-P-H-E-N S-O-N-D-H-E-I-M. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 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 30 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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