shout-out

noun

ˈshau̇t-ˌau̇t 

variants or less commonly shoutout

plural shout-outs also shoutouts

informal

: a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgment directed toward a person or group often as part of a performance, recording, or broadcast

She opened her acceptance speech with a shout-out to James Baldwin, the author of the book on which the movie was based, calling him "one of the greatest artists of our time."

—Neal Justin

Here are a few lyrical shout-outs to some of hip hop's favorite designers.

—Scott Poulson-Bryant

She even gave a shoutout to one of her former teachers on Twitter, and encouraged others to do the same.

—Emily Sweeney

Examples of shout-out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In keeping with a pleasing streak of industry satire here—Michael Haneke and Netflix get hilarious shout-outs—Fanning has a bracing directness that cuts through all the dramaturgical throat-clearing. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025

Other shout-outs set for this year include Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman (Gotham Musical Tribute for Song Sung Blue); Noah Baumbach (Director Tribute for Jay Kelly; and Tessa Thompson (Spotlight Tribute for Hedda). —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025

Teyana Taylor, the evening’s host, gave a shout-out to Amazon Fashion as the event’s partner. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025

His departure led to the emergence of Jake Curhan, who had a great day in the Panthers’ win and earned a postgame locker room shout-out from Canales. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

originally African American English, noun derivative of shout out "to give recognition to, publicly acknowledge"

Note: The popularization of shout-out has been attributed to the Black DJ and music video producer Ralph McDaniels, who co-hosted the program Video Music Box on the New York City public television station WNYC from 1984 to 1996.

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shout-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

shout–out

noun

variants also shoutout

ˈshau̇t-ˌau̇t 

informal

: a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgment directed toward a person or group often as part of a performance, broadcast, or recording