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 law at the time was vague, exempting people who occasionally sold guns as a hobby but not spelling out how many sales was too many.
—
Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 24 May 2024
The plan to craft an ordinance spelling out how and where native plants ought to be used citywide has divided the council ever since it was proposed earlier this spring.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spell out 
Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 24 May 2024
The plan to craft an ordinance spelling out how and where native plants ought to be used citywide has divided the council ever since it was proposed earlier this spring.
—Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for spell out
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spell out.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 31 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share