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callout

American  
[kawl-out] / ˈkɔlˌaʊt /
Or call-out

noun

  1. an act or instance of calling out, or speaking in a loud voice.

  2. an order to report for emergency or special work, especially at an unusual time or place.

  3. a letter, number, or other device for identifying or calling attention to a particular part of an illustration or text.

  4. a challenge to a duel.


verb phrase

  1. to speak in a loud voice; shout.

  2. to summon into service or action.

    Call out the militia!

  3. to bring out; elicit.

    The emergency called out her hidden abilities.

  4. to direct attention to with a callout.

    to call out each feature in a technical drawing.

  5. to criticize adversely; express disapproval of; censure.

    Even his fans have called him out on his treatment of women.

  6. to challenge to a duel.

Etymology

Origin of callout

First recorded in 1885–90; callout defs. 1, 2, 3, 4 represent noun uses of verb phrase call out

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.

Usually after big events like a hurricane, the BLS includes a little callout box that outlines the potential pitfalls.

From Barron's

Music artist Billie Eilish has never been shy about speaking her mind, and her latest callout of the world’s ultra-wealthy is no exception.

From Salon

Rabhan responded to Roan's callout in a post to X accusing the “Femininomenon” singer of faux-activism and refusing to put up his own cash.

From Salon

Former Atlantic Records exec Jeff Rabhan ridiculed Roan’s callout at the Grammys in an op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter earlier this week.

From Salon

It was a callout that much later in the show Sean Penn, who was onstage to read out the nominees for lead actress, decided to address.

From Los Angeles Times