spell out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
To form (a word) from letters; say the letters in a word.
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
To replace an abbreviation with its unabbreviated form, such an acronym with its expansion.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To explain in clear and simple terms; to be explicit.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “spell out” mean?
To form (a word) from letters; say the letters in a word.
Is “spell out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.