spell out
verb
spelled out; spelling out; spells out
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
In the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, Congress spelled out that it is generally forbidden to use the military for civilian law enforcement.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
Kulture also holds a place of honor on her father's face — Offset has her name spelled out in cursive font on his jawline.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
There are also treaties and orders that focus on education and spell out the federal government’s responsibility to help coordinate and give money to support tribal education.
—Cynthia Lindquist, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
During a private memorial, a huge floral tribute on the grounds of the mansion spelled out, 'OZZY F---ING OSBOURNE', on the banks of the Osbournes' lake.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spell out
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.
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
Kulture also holds a place of honor on her father's face — Offset has her name spelled out in cursive font on his jawline.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
There are also treaties and orders that focus on education and spell out the federal government’s responsibility to help coordinate and give money to support tribal education.
—Cynthia Lindquist, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
During a private memorial, a huge floral tribute on the grounds of the mansion spelled out, 'OZZY F---ING OSBOURNE', on the banks of the Osbournes' lake.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spell out
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share