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

Expect more international grocers to add tourist-facing signage, English-language product callouts, tax-free counters and shipping options at flagship locations. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

The dashboard will also feature a callout section for brands that stand out in AI search; tell brands which editorial voices cite their brands in AI search; and compare brands’ AI search results in different cities. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2026

Verb

The two were often spotted at events together, but as Perry’s star rose and Perez’s blogging tactics were called out as toxic amid a shift away from tabloid culture, their friendship seemed to fizzle out. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

James Ransone‘s widow Jamie McPhee is calling out the Television Academy for excluding the late actor during the Emmys In Memoriam tribute, which marked the second time this year Ransone was snubbed by a major awards ceremony. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 16 Sep. 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