shout-out

noun

ˈshau̇t-ˌau̇t 

variants or less commonly shoutout

plural shout-outs also shoutouts

informal

: a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgement 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

The cast and Roach were asked about their favorite lines, with the early dinner, in which Stiller’s character describes milking a cat, getting a couple of shout-outs. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2025

Gates also gave Hurd a shout-out at the end of his debut memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, even though the book takes place decades before their romance began. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 27 June 2025

Regular Recognition Moments Leaders should think twice before axing regular recognition moments like shout-outs, kudos boards or award moments. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

In the trailer released Wednesday, Charlotte gets a shout-out when Tatum’s character claims to work in a classified department of the government. —Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025

Word History

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