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

Written in 1929, the Covenant doesn’t specifically call out residential care facilities. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

Bravo! Adam Sandler’s Song: 50 Years In his song about 50 years of SNL, Sandler calls out things everyone knows about the show—that the cast is often visibly looking at cue cards—and things only SNL nerds and actual cast members know—that Steven Spielberg is a frequent visitor. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 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