callout

or call-out

[ kawl-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of callout¹

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

Example Sentences

Ms Didcock added she was "struck by a lack of repeated calling" if a person did not respond in the emergency department, adding she would have expected further calls 10 to 15 minutes after each missed callout.

From BBC

Ms Didcock added she was "struck by a lack of repeated calling" if a person did not respond to being called in the emergency department, adding she would have expected further calls 10 to 15 minutes after each missed callout.

From BBC

Hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds responded to a national callout from artist Hetain Patel, commissioned by arts organisation Artangel.

From BBC

First, I interviewed my grandmother, then more family and family friends, and then a callout in 2017 helped me find the rest of the women.

From Salon

When architects specify garage doors, the final finished opening is never what you see on the door-size callout.

From Seattle Times