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

There’s been no explanation for the change, but in all of the most recent callouts to the match, it’s no longer being referred to as a LWS clash. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Drake smarted at the callout, and the two would trade subliminal barbs back and forth on-and-off-record for years to follow. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024

Verb

Now, the Buffaloes coach has called out these reports on social media. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

After a four-game losing streak earlier in the season, Edwards famously called out his team as soft and criticized their lack of defensive communication while not following coach Chris Finch’s game plan. —Zach Harper, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 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