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
called out; calling out; calls out
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.
Massimo Calabresi et al.Examples of callout in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Over 300 airport security officers have left TSA since the start of the DHS shutdown, with callouts — or unscheduled absences — rising to an average of 6% during the shutdown, a TSA official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Some airports have started to see long security lines, raising concerns that screeners are calling out sick, taking on side jobs to make ends meet, struggling with fuel costs or leaving their jobs altogether.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for callout
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Noun
Public art callout The Town of Los Gatos is calling on local artists and organizations to exhibit their work in the town council chambers, which has the space to show about 20 pieces of 2D artwork, and the library, which can show small 3D objects that are up to 7 inches tall.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Over 300 airport security officers have left TSA since the start of the DHS shutdown, with callouts — or unscheduled absences — rising to an average of 6% during the shutdown, a TSA official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Besides the weather, a partial federal government shutdown continued to cause lines at airport terminals nationwide as TSA checkpoint screeners called out of work because they are not getting paid, according to The Associated Press.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Some airports have started to see long security lines, raising concerns that screeners are calling out sick, taking on side jobs to make ends meet, struggling with fuel costs or leaving their jobs altogether.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for callout
Cite this Entry
“Callout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callout. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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