1 A2 neutral
to say or write the letters of a word one by one
"Could you spell out your last name for me, please?"
both
spell out
B1 neutral both transitive
to say or write the letters of a word, or to explain something very clearly
In plain English
to say each letter, or explain something in a very clear way
What does "spell out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
to explain something in a very clear and detailed way
"The contract spells out exactly what each side must do."
both
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to put the letters out one by one
Actually means
to say each letter, or explain something in a very clear way
Usage tip
Very common in education and everyday communication. It has both a literal spelling sense and a figurative explanation sense.
Words that pair with "spell out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
name word rules instructions details problem
How to conjugate "spell out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spell out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spells out
he/she/it
Past simple
spelled out
yesterday
Past participle
spelled out
have + pp
-ing form
spelling out
continuous
Hear "spell out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "spell out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "spell out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.