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 suit spells out how and when that’s alleged to have occurred. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

The grid spells out, anonymously, the rate expectations for the full 19 participants at the meeting, though Warsh withheld his dot for the June update. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Use the language of the job description honestly, spell out key skills and focus on measurable outcomes. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Also pictured was a custom chain with Bronze’s name spelled out in diamonds. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 14 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