spell out
verb
spelled out; spelling out; spells out
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
Synonyms
Examples of spell out in a Sentence
the dating applicant spelled out exactly what she wanted in a man
Recent Examples on the Web
The town's General Plan is a long-term planning strategy that broadly spells out the community's vision for future growth, its transportation network, parks, civic buildings, public art, environmental sustainability and economic development.
—
Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Her boyfriend had letters printed on his fingers to appear like tattoos (spelling out her name) and wore a wild black wig.
—Chiara Kim, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
This provision spells out exactly how long everyone’s on the hook, but it can be extended or removed by mutual agreement.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
There was a 5% chance that a single chimp would accurately spell out the word ‘bananas’ within its own 30-year lifetime, and close to 100% chance that it would be found among the ramblings of 200,000 of them before the universe died.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spell out 
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.
Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Her boyfriend had letters printed on his fingers to appear like tattoos (spelling out her name) and wore a wild black wig.
—Chiara Kim, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
This provision spells out exactly how long everyone’s on the hook, but it can be extended or removed by mutual agreement.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
There was a 5% chance that a single chimp would accurately spell out the word ‘bananas’ within its own 30-year lifetime, and close to 100% chance that it would be found among the ramblings of 200,000 of them before the universe died.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spell out
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 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share