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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
Her collection includes pieces such as a little planter scored on eBay to candy dishes, a set of Christmas elves that spell out NOEL, and more.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
The Orlando Sentinel obtained her probe’s records, which spell out with some specificity what’s wrong with the airport’s baggage systems.
—Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Nov. 2024
The student section, during the final minute of the game, held up cards that spelled out 1,217.
—Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
What constituted such an attack was never spelled out in order to leave ambiguity in the minds of Russia's adversaries (ambiguity is a key part of deterrence, after all).
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
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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 4 Dec. 2024.
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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