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

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.
Most of this isn’t spelled out in cinematics or open dialogue; it’s hidden on computer files scattered throughout the game, in voicemails, stuff that’s very easy to miss. Will Borger, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 At the same time, Xinjiang, as an obvious hotspot, hardly needs spelling out. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025 By statute, districts must send voters a mailer spelling out those particulars. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025 But the contract didn’t define such activity or spell out what a large assemblage means. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 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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