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.
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 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 4 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!