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

There are two parts to this callout: benches, which will be visually enhanced and installed at Kirchhoff Park as part of the RePLAY initiative taking place this year; and murals for Tower Park and Flounder and Friends Skatepark. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Jurassic World Rebirth screenwriter David Koepp may have actively worked to not feature so many callouts in the film to previous installments of the franchise, but director Gareth Edwards? —EW.com, 2 July 2025

Verb

In regard to Morris, Cameron specifically called out the businessman's work dealings. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 3 Aug. 2025

Democratic leaders and human rights activists have called out the center over reported conditions. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 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