shout-out

noun

ˈshau̇t-ˌau̇t 

variants or less commonly shoutout

plural shout-outs also shoutouts

informal

: a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgment directed toward a person or group often as part of a performance, recording, or broadcast

She opened her acceptance speech with a shout-out to James Baldwin, the author of the book on which the movie was based, calling him "one of the greatest artists of our time."

—Neal Justin

Here are a few lyrical shout-outs to some of hip hop's favorite designers.

—Scott Poulson-Bryant

She even gave a shoutout to one of her former teachers on Twitter, and encouraged others to do the same.

—Emily Sweeney

Examples of shout-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, tune in to the full episode for lots of sweetness about her boyfriend, Leo Woodall; her shout-out to Lily Allen’s West End Girl; and a moment for her favorite musicals. —Vogue, 14 Nov. 2025

Also, weird to see Brandon Donlon get so many shout-outs on Survivor 49. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Nov. 2025

By the way, just from an entrepreneurial side of things, shout-out to Clive Calder and Jive Records and Zomba. —Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

Brandy gave a heartfelt shout-out to Rihanna, sharing a photo of the women posing together backstage. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

originally African American English, noun derivative of shout out "to give recognition to, publicly acknowledge"

Note: The popularization of shout-out has been attributed to the Black DJ and music video producer Ralph McDaniels, who co-hosted the program Video Music Box on the New York City public television station WNYC from 1984 to 1996.

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shout-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

shout–out

noun

variants also shoutout

ˈshau̇t-ˌau̇t 

informal

: a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgment directed toward a person or group often as part of a performance, broadcast, or recording