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

Napheesa Collier, the WNBA All-Star who recently put the league’s leadership on blast, received praise from fellow players in response to her four-minute callout aimed at WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league office. —Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

In January, the singer posted a callout on her Instagram Stories seeking couples interested in getting legally married onstage during her tour stops. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

Verb

Hundreds of Amazon shoppers have given the pants a five-star rating, calling out their glove-like fit and ultra-soft lining. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

One of the anonymous plaintiffs called out Ellison for supporting the policies that have allowed the trans pitcher to play against females. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 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