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 district the following year spent millions making the mural a permanent installation, replacing traditional asphalt with colored pavers to spell out its eponymous phrase. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 Madrid lost a big figure when Toni Kroos retired in 2024, and if other veteran players such as Vazquez leave, then throw Bellingham’s extended spell out into the mix and the dressing room will be a quieter place. Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Many of the agencies were created by Congress, with nearly all of them having funding and functions spelled out by law, in some cases explicitly limiting the president's power. Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 May 2025 Congress passed a 2019 appropriations bill that spelled out this authority. Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 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 28 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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