-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Synonyms
Examples of spell out in a Sentence
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Recent Examples on the Web
This contract among fire agencies spells out how departments assist each other countywide as needed with no compensation.
—Jennifer Edwards Baker, The Enquirer, 14 Mar. 2024
Among them, 80% spell out the share of people of color in senior management or board roles.
—Byruth Umoh, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024
Sill, the etiquette coach, suggested spelling out the neighborhood’s social norms around parking and noise to prospective tenants — and explicitly spelling out the rules in rental agreements.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024
The city ordinance also spells out noise, parking and health regulations.
—Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024
The plan was spelled out by Chesebro in a memo dated Nov. 18, 2020 — the same day Trump asked for recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties.
—Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024
Copilot was also helpful in editing documents, often catching acronyms that should be spelled out, punctuation or conciseness, much like a beefed-up spell check.
—Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spelled out Europe’s dependence on the alliance during an interview with NBC News at the Munich Security Conference.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024
The physicians association expects more bills this year, many with provisions spelled out in model legislation the group drafted.
—Bram Sable-Smith, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spell out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near spell out
Cite this Entry
“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
Kids Definition
spell out
verb1
: 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
Nglish: Translation of spell out for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of spell out for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share