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

Synonyms

• clarify
• clear (up)
• construe
• demonstrate
• demystify
• elucidate
• explain
• explicate
• expound
• get across
• illuminate
• illustrate
• interpret
• simplify
• unriddle

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 town's General Plan is a long-term planning strategy that broadly spells out the community's vision for future growth, its transportation network, parks, civic buildings, public art, environmental sustainability and economic development. —Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Her boyfriend had letters printed on his fingers to appear like tattoos (spelling out her name) and wore a wild black wig. —Chiara Kim, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

This provision spells out exactly how long everyone’s on the hook, but it can be extended or removed by mutual agreement. —Sho Dewan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

There was a 5% chance that a single chimp would accurately spell out the word ‘bananas’ within its own 30-year lifetime, and close to 100% chance that it would be found among the ramblings of 200,000 of them before the universe died. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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