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.
The 21-year-old has also had two spells out with hamstring problems this campaign and has yet to play a full 90 minutes since moving to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Southampton for an initial £53million. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 One image even featured Leray's name spelled out in pink balloons. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 Sheriffs who spoke with The Post expect little to change around their cooperation with ICE after Trump returns to office Monday -- largely because of the limits already spelled out in state law. Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025 Chuck Lehmann, Delray Beach ‘Raise your right hand … ‘ Why would our own Justice Department allow any president to break the law, particularly one forcefully spelled out in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 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

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 30 Jan. 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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