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

Some states, but not all, require recess Most states do not mandate that schools have recess every day or spell out a minimum amount of time students must spend moving their bodies. — Louisa Penfold, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Although a committee of parents, teachers, students and other community leaders spelled out the need for the bond package, the voters didn’t buy in to it. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Its images often do the work that a conventional plot might spell out, drawing on art and visual traditions from different periods and cultures. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Hudson paired the radiant look with a large pair of gold hoop earrings that spelled out the words EGOT and a simple butterfly pendant. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 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