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.
His foreign ministry spelled out that talks about the root causes of the conflict must precede discussions of a ceasefire. Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 12 May 2025 That is specifically spelled out as an area of focus in the collective bargaining agreement. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 12 May 2025 Sheriff’s Office medical policies, which were last updated in 2022, spell out a specific plan for assessing people with a history of alcohol abuse and making sure they are treated for withdrawal. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 Many union contracts spell out lengthy processes for doing so. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 11 May 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 16 May. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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