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

Excluding those in six-figure jobs, workers’ willingness to quit their jobs over weekend callouts generally declines as pay does. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune Europe, 20 June 2024

In its most recent earnings report, the chain said it’s been struggling to meet consumer demand in the U.S. and China, while financial impacts from boycotts (particularly in the Middle East), barista unionizations, and even a pointed callout from its former CEO also weighed down the chain. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 12 June 2024

Verb

Jake was calling out people left and right, yelling, trying to cause chaos. —EW.com, 13 June 2024

Related article White homeowner pleads not guilty in shooting of Black teen who rang the wrong doorbell After he was shot, H.R. called out for his mom, the third teenager, identified as S.A., told investigators. —Amanda Musa, CNN, 12 June 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