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 job qualifications are typically lean, spelling out a handful of core expectations. Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026 The order spells out the exact amount of money that each of the 106 women are owed. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 The timeline is worth spelling out. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026 Before the march began, USW Local President Eric Schultz spelled out for the picketers what’s at stake for BP’s workers, who’ve been working for the last three weeks under a rolling, 24-hour extension of its old contract. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 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 19 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on spell out

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