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.
Saudi heritage and national pride figured across many collections, with geometric rooflines a graphic detail on the loose men’s alterna-suiting from Noble & Fresh, and odes to various regions spelled out in spirals of Arabic characters on Hindamme’s second-skin dresses. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 An episode featuring Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester tries to fill in some backstory blanks, as does an episode that spells out how Joanne’s parents’ divorce impacted her. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025 Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie spelled out his game plan prior to Wednesday’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Texas law spells out when the state can step in if a school district struggles for too long to meet academic or leadership standards. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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