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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
So, the plan was – when the homecoming queen’s name is announced her name will be spelled out on a fireworks display board. Michael Huntley, Orange County Register, 7 Oct. 2024 With Balloon Letters Add a personal touch to your everyday jewelry with this necklace that has bubble letters to spell out your name. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 In its blog post about the relaunch, the company also spelled out how First Draft works: First Draft doesn’t train on customer content. Jay Peters, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024 The first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took place in Philadelphia earlier this month, with post-debate polling now beginning to spell out the impact the candidates had on likely voters. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 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 5 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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