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

After the win, Thurman called out Tim Tszyu, which seems like a logical callout, all things considered. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Its bridal capsule is worth a callout, with its delicate, practically see-through white designs (like this beauty of a bodysuit). —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

As the face of that movement, Floyd's character and actions have long been a focal point of BLM critics, who regularly call out the violence of left-wing groups while seeking to strengthen law enforcement's hand. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025

State of play: Mehmet Oz, Trump's nominee to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, last week became the latest high-ranking member of Trump's orbit to call out the pharmaceutical industry and drug prices. —Caitlin Owens, Axios, 21 Mar. 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