Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some have recalibrated pricing to offset the eyebrow-raising sums they have shelled out to secure the rights to sports programming such as the National Football League and Major League Baseball.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

From Nov. 7 to 9, Martino will guide fans who have shelled out $275 each through the iconic Dilling Street property.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025

You usually have to spend to win, and though the Mariners have shelled out nine figures to Castillo, Robbie Ray and Julio Rodriguez, they haven’t made the championship splash their supporters want.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2023

The big seven North American outfits have shelled out $30 billion more in dividends and stock buybacks than they’ve invested in their business over the past decade.

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2022

What can he do but hold the dogs of war in leash until the Boers think they have shelled us enough, and come on?”

From The Kopje Garrison A Story of the Boer War by Boucher, W.