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

Sometimes a playful comment, an unexpected reply or a joking callout between brands takes on a life of its own online. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

The move follows historically high airport security wait times this spring resulting from a partial government shutdown that led to widespread TSA agent callouts and staffing shortages. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 19 May 2026

Verb

Femi took the microphone and called out Lesnar after the match was finished. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

The page anonymously issued opinions and news tidbits, and notably called out Gagosian director Sam Orlofsky for inappropriate workplace behavior; Orlofsky was dismissed shortly thereafter. —News Desk, Artforum, 1 June 2026

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