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.
The blue and green bracelet, which is understood to have been made by Princess Charlotte ahead of her dad's trip, features the affectionate name William’s three children, Prince George, 11, Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, call him spelled out in black and white beads. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Allowing pretty much anyone over 21 to buy pot was estimated to generate up to $300 million each year, mostly to fund a list of causes spelled out in the proposition. Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 Dasha exclaimed, admiring her new tequila keepsake, which had her name spelled out in pink jewels. Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 They are being replaced by a document known as a grant in aid, where the college is supposed to spell out in specific terms scholarship money to be received and eventually name, image and likeness funds to be dispersed whenever the NCAA and others settle their legal issues. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 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 Nov. 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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