callout

1 of 2

noun

call·​out ˈkȯl-ˌau̇t 

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

The online callout comes after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah killed at least 45 Palestinians over the weekend, sparking international outrage. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 29 May 2024

That being said, pants are a safe bet for nearly all courses, with a few callouts. —Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024

Verb

What are others saying? Matt Barnes, whose 15-season NBA career included four years with the Clippers and two with the Lakers, took to Instagram to call out Clark’s teammates for not having their star player’s back in such situations. —Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024

During a show part of her Las Vegas residency on Saturday, June 1, which marked the first day of Pride Month, the singer-songwriter, 36, took a moment to call out an audience member who made a negative comment about the celebration dedicated to LGBTQ+ community members and their rights. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 2 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1