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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
The 21-year-old has also had two spells out with hamstring problems this campaign and has yet to play a full 90 minutes since moving to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Southampton for an initial £53million.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
One image even featured Leray's name spelled out in pink balloons.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Sheriffs who spoke with The Post expect little to change around their cooperation with ICE after Trump returns to office Monday -- largely because of the limits already spelled out in state law.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025
Chuck Lehmann, Delray Beach ‘Raise your right hand … ‘
Why would our own Justice Department allow any president to break the law, particularly one forcefully spelled out in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution?
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025
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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 30 Jan. 2025.
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
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