spell out

verb

spelled out; spelling out; spells out
Synonyms of spell outnext

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.
The matrix spells out instances when Milwaukee’s catcher should or should not have challenged. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 The writing in Book of Love thrives on this sort of ambiguity; the band would rather listeners read between every one of its lines than have the story spelled out for them. Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026 Google hasn’t really spelled out its agentic coding vision to the world. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Sometimes these repercussions are spelled out in the CC&Rs, and other times they are handled on a case-by-case basis. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2026 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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

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