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.
On the wall opposite the main entrance to City Hall, Wilcox’s mural spells out Waukegan in large, bold letters surrounded by a palette of bright colors. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 The timeline to actually achieve this, however, wasn't spelled out. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 The law specifically spells out heating problems, pest infestations and filthy conditions as among the issues that could require a court’s intervention. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 May 2025 While the bill did not specify the exact number of units that would be needed in every town, Rep. Joe Zullo of East Haven offered an amendment that spelled out the numbers from the Fair Share study. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 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 8 Jun. 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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