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

Other callouts include its digital display that clearly shows the mode (min, mid, max, or jet) and other essentials like the charging status, maintenance guide, and error guide. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025

After Saturday’s fight, Till issued a bold callout to several notable figures in the crossover boxing scene, including Jorge Masvidal, Mike Perry, KSI, and others. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

The fire department and the gas company were called out to check the home for a natural gas leak, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

After speculation arose about whether the actor was intentionally trying to model his accent after Southern Charm alum Thomas Ravenel — a comparison that even fellow Bravo star Cameran Eubanks called out — Isaacs set the record straight. —Julia Moore, People.com, 28 Feb. 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