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

• 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

As Virgin Voyages' new stage show began, pink neon letters spelling out a woman's name glowed brightly in the low lights. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

Choose from 28 accent colors and include optional personalization with white and gold lettered beads to spell out their name. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025

Media lawyers and newsroom leaders are evaluating a government memo spelling out new rules that would sharply restrict reporting at the Pentagon. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025

The script, by Tipping, Zack Akers, and Skip Bronkie, spells out the movie’s aims in big, cheerleading letters. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025

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