call out — to shout or speak loudly to get someone's attention
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to shout or speak loudly to get someone's attention
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɔːl aʊt/
Example Sentences
- My mom called out 'Dinner's ready!' but I was too busy gaming to hear.
- The referee called out the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- When the cat got stuck in the tree, we had to call out the fire department like in the movies.
call out
VERB[/kɔːl aʊt/]
to shout or speak loudly to get someone's attention

The coach decided to call out the player who skipped practice all week.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrasal verb 'call out' combines two Germanic roots: 'call' derives from Old Norse 'kalla' (to call, summon) and 'out' from Old English 'ūt' (outward, away). The compound emerged in Middle English as a natural fusion of these elements, originally meaning 'to call or shout outward'.
Breakdown
call (Old Norse 'kalla': to summon, call) + out (Old English 'ūt': outward, beyond). The combination creates the sense of calling someone's attention from a distance or making a public announcement.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom called out 'Dinner's ready!' but I was too busy gaming to hear.”
“The referee called out the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.”
“When the cat got stuck in the tree, we had to call out the fire department like in the movies.”
“She called out his name three times before he finally looked up from his phone.”
📚Related Words
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