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.
More Elsa/Getty Images On Wednesday, ESPN insider Buster Olney spelled out a reason for optimism that the Yankees can not only make the playoffs, but go on a deep run. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 First, our process is clearly spelled out in our state constitution (credit to the authors of the 1976 amendment and the 1980 update). Matt Ritter, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025 Nick battles against primal urges and the choice to preserve his family, as music from James Brown, Janis Joplin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones and Bruce Springsteen spell out the high-stakes emotions at play. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025 Doohan also had to wait for that fate to be spelled out, just as audiences did. Vincent Perella, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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