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

These callouts stem from a broader cultural fixation on authenticity in the digital age. —Christian Orozco, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025

The fourth-year head coach responded to Tagovailoa’s callout, explaining that player meetings aren’t something that he’s made mandatory for his roster. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 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. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

Elsie's mother calls out desperately from their apartment's window. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1887, 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