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

Acting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital Thursday that as the shutdown persists, there will continue to be a significant impact on wait times amid officer callouts. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

My only callout is the packaging. —Stixx Mathews, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025

Verb

Still, in previous shutdowns, these essential workers have eventually started to call out from work in increasing numbers, which has led to longer security lines and delays at some airports. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025

Becker called out funnel-neck jackets, bra tops and balloon pants as important items. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for callout

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