spell¹ / spel/ • v. (past and past part. spelled / speld/ or chiefly Brit. spelt / spelt/ ) [tr.] write or name the letters that form (a word) in correct sequence: Dolly spelled her name | [intr.] journals have a house style about how to spell. ∎  (of letters) make up or form (a word): the letters spell the word “how.” ∎  be recognizable as a sign or characteristic of: she had the chic, efficient look that spells Milan. ∎  lead to: the plans would spell disaster for the economy.PHRASAL VERBS: spell something out speak the letters that form a word in sequence. ∎  explain something in detail: I'll spell out the problem again.spell² • n. a form of words used as a magical charm or incantation. ∎  a state of enchantment caused by such a form of words: the magician may cast a spell on himself. ∎  an ability to control or influence people as though one had magical power over them: she is afraid that you are waking from her spell.PHRASES: under a spell not fully in control of one's thoughts and actions, as though in a state of enchantment.under someone's spell so devoted to someone that they seem to have magic power over one.spell³ • n. a short period: I want to get away from racing for a spell. ∎  a period spent in an activity: a spell of greenhouse work. ∎  a period of a specified kind of weather: an early cold spell in autumn. ∎  a period of suffering from a specified kind of illness: she plunges off a yacht and suffers a spell of amnesia. ∎ Austral. a period of rest from work.• v. [tr.] allow (someone) to rest briefly by taking their place in some activity: I got sleepy and needed her to spell me for a while at the wheel. ∎  [intr.] Austral. take a brief rest: I'll spell for a bit.