callout

1 of 2

noun

call·​out ˈkȯl-ˌau̇t How to pronounce callout (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of calling out
2
: an often bordered inset in a printed article or illustration that usually includes a key excerpt or detail

call out

2 of 2

verb

called out; calling out; calls out

transitive verb

1
: to summon into action
call out troops
2
: to challenge to a duel
3
: to order on strike
call out the workers
4
: to publicly criticize or fault (someone)
The FDA will have to start forcing companies to be transparent and call them out on it when they're not.Massimo Calabresi et al.

Examples of callout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
For new players, many of them are presented without deeper context, treated like character appearances in late-stage Marvel films, whose purpose exist as a callout or tease to unfamiliar plotlines that aren’t resolved or remotely set up. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2024 Students and recent graduates told their friends about the callout while the Idaho Business for Education and the American Institute of Architects Idaho sent it to their members. Asia Fields, ProPublica, 15 Dec. 2023 The occupants of the house were asked to come outside and, while some people exited the home, a man and a woman stayed inside and did not respond to police callouts, according to San Diego Lt. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2024 Nearly 3,000 New York Times readers responded to our callout asking for the best holiday film recommendations. James Freeman, WSJ, 22 Dec. 2023 Hours after the initial callout for casting, the producers were flooded with queries and name submissions. Amber Dowling, Variety, 16 Oct. 2023 The Idaho Education Association shared our callout with 10,000 members and asked for 200 flyers to put up in schools. Asia Fields, ProPublica, 15 Dec. 2023 Meanwhile, the second half brought far-reaching strikes, ardent callouts, and a rousing speech by The Nanny. Hazlitt, 6 Dec. 2023 The flick, starring Sarah Ramos and William Moseley, featured a number of cheeky moments and pop culture callouts, including a scene about Ted Lasso that was a direct response to the Apple TV+ hit's dialogue about Hallmark movies. Breanne L. Heldman, Peoplemag, 26 Nov. 2023
Verb
During her acceptance speech, Stone called out her husband McCary and their soon-to-be 3-year-old daughter Louise Jean with a lyric from Taylor Swift. Lawrence Yee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Jimmy Kimmel on Sunday called out former President Donald Trump on stage after Trump insulted Kimmel and his hosting on social media. Kate Sullivan, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Several members of the group have also called out wealthy churches that have so far done little to assist. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 Keep in mind, too: This recall doesn't affect all cinnamon—just the products specifically called out by the FDA. Korin Miller, Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Billionaires are on notice Speaking of which, Biden had no qualms in calling out the super rich and their low tax rates. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Kyrsten Sinema's guest and more Will Kari Lake debate Mark Lamb after calling out Gov. Katie Hobbs for bowing out in 2022? The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 Sweeney called out Apple’s monopoly in app stores, digital payments, and browsers. Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 6 Mar. 2024 From the holding cell, one of the boys called out for the bathroom. Sufian Taha, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'callout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of callout was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near callout

Cite this Entry

“Callout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callout. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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