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.
Significant spells out for Martin Odegaard, Rodri (as well as almost all of Manchester City’s defenders) and Tottenham’s centre-backs have been the most high-profile absentees and have made games less predictable. Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 The study — which coincided with a pause on issuing LNG export licenses — will spell out whether the DOE sees the need to halt or require more of project developers. Ben Geman, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024 Friends and family arranged candles to spell out Lanyah’s initials and offered prayers that the person responsible for her death would be found. Mike Schell, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024 Blizzard developers even worked with Undaunted members to give the character a unique sign name, a special way to identify a person without fully spelling out their name in ASL. Ryan Easby, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024 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

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 21 Dec. 2024.

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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