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.
Until a clear transition plan is in place (something Trump’s remarks did not spell out), PSLF, IDR, and other forgiveness pathways are essentially in administrative purgatory. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 As for the core cheerleader duties on the field, the traditional responsibility to cheer — which is literally spelled out within the title itself — is surprisingly no longer, the mother-daughter duo clarify. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 On the posters and on the site, a two-word phrase — which fans have speculated is the title of Cyrus’ next album — is spelled out in thick white letters. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025 In spelling out its view on the risks posed by China, OpenAI wrote that DeepSeek — the Chinese AI startup — costs users their privacy and security. Hayden Field, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spell out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20out. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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

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