callout

1 of 2

noun

call·​out ˈkȯl-ˌau̇t How to pronounce callout (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Our Readers' Favorite Store-Bought Potato Salad The simple request solicited 70 comments, and while there were a few callouts to other brands like Sam’s Club, Aldi, and Walmart, the far and away favorite was Publix. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026 Others, such as Susan Braverman, also reported feeling stretched thin after being required to work in stressful conditions with higher-than-normal callout rates while not receiving compensation. Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Wiemer's first hit was originally called out by first base umpire Marvin Hudson, but was overturned after a challenge by the Nationals. CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026 Airport security lines increased, some stretching multiple hours in hubs such as Houston and Atlanta, as TSA officers called out and hundreds across the country quit. Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for callout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of callout was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Callout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callout. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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