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

One of the main callouts from testers was that the soft and breathable cooling cover on Helix Midnight Luxe absorbs heat well, regulating temperature for better sleep. —Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Sundar has the current status of a repair man, quietly waiting for an occasional callout to center stage. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

The second hashtag also referenced the former President calling out Barack Obama for wearing a tan suit in 2014 and Harris doing the same at the Democratic National Convention in August. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024

The vice president called out the Puerto Rican community in Pennsylvania, which is home to more than 400,000 people born in Puerto Rico or of Puerto Rican descent. —Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1