call out
Britishverb
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to utter aloud, esp loudly
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(tr) to summon
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(tr) to order (workers) to strike
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(tr) to summon (an employee) to work at a time outside his normal working hours, usually in an emergency
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(tr) to challenge to a duel
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Summon into action or service, as in The governor called out the militia . [Mid-1400s]
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Challenge to a fight, as in To avenge the insult, Arthur called him out . This term originated with dueling and is dying out. [Early 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You can't call out the manager like that tactically.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
Harper explained that preparations involve checking vehicles and equipment to ensure volunteers are ready for any call out.
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026
The “American Idol” alum took to social media on Saturday to call out Art of Play, a high-end “curiosity shop” that sells puzzles, games and other whimsical goods, for her negative experience during a visit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026
Jon: Chinese consumers often call out foreign brands that they feel lazily pander to Chinese tastes—like adding a dragon design and calling it a “Year of the Dragon” shoe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
Apa, I call out softly from the edge of the hallway.
From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
