intransitive verb
1
a : to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : shout b : to make a request or demand call for an investigation c
of an animal : to utter a characteristic note or cry
d : to speak to or attempt to reach someone by means of a call (see call entry 2 sense 8) I call once a week to talk to my parents. Several weeks later our son’s family called to FaceTime with us.—Daily Reporter (Greenfield, Indiana) —often used with up She called up and asked if we wanted to come over for dinner. e
: to make a demand in card games (as for a particular card or for a show of hands)
f : to give the calls for a square dance
2
: to make a brief visit called to pay his respects
transitive verb
1
a(1) : to utter in a loud distinct voice —often used with out (2) : to announce or read loudly or authoritatively call off a row of figures (3)
: to announce the play-by-play of (a sports event, such as a football game)
b(1) : to command or request to come or be present (2) : to cause to come : bring calls to mind an old saying c : to summon to a particular activity, employment, or office was called to active duty was called to the bar of justice d : to invite or command to meet : convoke e
: to rouse from sleep or summon to get up
f(1) : to give the order for : bring into action call a strike against the company (2) : to manage by giving the signals or orders that catcher calls a good game g(1)
: to make a demand in bridge for (a card or suit)
(2)
: to require (a player) to show the hand in poker by making an equal bet
(3)
: to challenge to make good on a statement
(4) : to charge with or censure for an offense deserves to be called on that h
: to attract (game) by imitating the characteristic cry
i
: to halt (something, such as a baseball game) because of unsuitable conditions
j : to rule on the status of (a pitched ball, a player’s action, etc.) k : to give the calls for (a square dance) —often used with off l(1) : to demand payment of especially by formal notice (2) : to demand presentation of (something, such as a bond or option) for redemption The bonds could be called 10 years after issue. m(1) : to speak to or attempt to reach (someone) by means of a call (see call entry 2 sense 8) call the doctor to make an appointment I try to call my parents at least once a week. He arranged for his wife, Stacey, to call him via Skype online from Kylee’s fourth-grade classroom on Monday morning—a complete surprise to his daughter.—Elaine Allenemrich —often used with up Call me up when you get back from your vacation. (2) : to generate signals for (a telephone number) in order to reach the party to whom the number is assigned (3) : to make a signal to in order to transmit a message
2
a : to speak of or address by a specified name : give a name to b(1) : to regard or characterize as of a certain kind : consider can hardly be called generous (2) : to estimate or consider for purposes of an estimate or for convenience c(1) : to describe correctly in advance of or without knowledge of the event : predict He called the upward trend of the stock market in February. (2) : to name or specify in advance
3
: to temporarily transfer control of computer processing to (something, such as a subroutine or procedure)
1
b
: an imitation of the cry of a bird or other animal made to attract it
c : an instrument used for calling d
: the cry of an animal (such as a bird)
2
a
: a request or command to come or assemble
b
: a summons or signal on a drum, bugle, or pipe
c
: admission to the bar as a barrister
d
: an invitation to become the minister of a church or to accept a professional appointment
e
: a divine vocation or strong inner prompting to a particular course of action
f : a summoning of actors to rehearsal the call is for 11 o’clock g : the attraction or appeal of a particular activity, condition, or place h
: an order specifying the number of men to be inducted into the armed services during a specified period
i : the selection of a play in football the quarterback’s call in the huddle
3
a : demand, claim The aircraft industry continues to have first call on aluminum production.—Americana Annual c
: a demand for payment of money
d : an option to buy a specified amount of a security (such as stock) or commodity (such as wheat) at a fixed price at or within a specified time compare put sense 2 e : an instance of asking for something : request many calls for Christmas stories
5
: a short usually formal visit
7
: the act of calling in a card game
8
: the act of speaking to or attempting to reach someone by telephone or by a similar online communication service In a time before keeping in touch was an internet call away, I’d have to say goodbye forever to bedrooms, to classrooms, to friends.—Soniah Kamal Soon after news of Bazemore’s return broke, Curry shared a screenshot on Instagram of the two friends on a FaceTime call. Both were smiling, no longer thinking of what-ifs.—Wes Goldberg
9
: a direction or a succession of directions for a square dance rhythmically called to the dancers
10
: a decision or ruling made by an official of a sports contest
11
: a temporary transfer of control of computer processing to a particular set of instructions (such as a subroutine or procedure)
Last Updated: 12 Jan 2023 – Updated example sentences
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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