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

The council’s discussion followed a story Monday in The Times that detailed how LA28 failed to adhere to the strict annual reporting requirements spelled out in the organization’s 2021 contract with the city. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Staring down an assembly of the outraged, Digger spells out the ruthless logic of global capitalism and claims the world’s fuel dependency as the ultimate vindication. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Its product and driver pages also offer macOS software, but the company does not clearly spell out which Touch features work on a Mac. — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

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

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