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

However, if Pena’s callout of Nunes doesn’t get the former champ to end her retirement, Pena said Harrison was a likely title challenger. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Audience members will be guided to participate in callouts throughout the show, but props and direct audience interaction with performers will not be allowed. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Sep. 2024

Verb

Brands have been called out for a lack of diversity in their marketing, but diversity in advertising can be a difficult issue to quantify. —Maggie McGrath, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Gen Zers, the top victims of this crisis wielding an ever-increasing buying power, are now calling out companies to turn back the clock and begin taking the third place’s demise seriously. —Andrew Cornelia, Fortune, 25 Oct. 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