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call out

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call out (to someone)

to speak loudly to get someone's attention. Mike called out to Tom that there was a telephone call for him. I heard someone call out, but I could see no one.

See also: call, out

call someone or something out

to request the services of someone or a group. (See also call someone up; call someone out.) Things got bad enough that the governor called the militia out. The governor called out the militia.

See also: call, out

call someone out

to challenge someone to a fight. Wilbur wanted to call him out, but thought better of it. Why did you call out that guy? He used to be a prizefighter!

See also: call, out

call something out

 

1. to draw on something, such as a particular quality or talent. It's times like these that call the best out in us. These times call out our best effort.

2. to shout out something. Who called the warning out? You should call out a warning to those behind you on the trail.

See also: call, out

call out

1. Summon into action or service, as in The governor called out the militia. [Mid-1400s]

2. 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]

See also: call, out

call out

v.

1. To shout: When I realized I was trapped, I called out for help. I called out from the porch for lemonade.

2. To say something in a loud voice; announce something: The announcer called out the names of the runners as they crossed the finish line. The conductor called the station name out as we pulled up.

3. To request the services of someone or something: The mayor called out the guard to suppress the riots. We called the veterinarian out to the farm to examine one of the calves.

4. To challenge someone or something: When I insulted his mother, he called me out.

5. To order food from a restaurant by telephone: If you don't want to cook, we can just call out for pizza.

See also: call, out