call
♦♦♦ call /k'ɔːl/ (calls calling called)
1 [VERB] V n n, V n by n
If you call someone or something by a particular name or title, you give them that name or title.
`Doctor...'--`Will you please call me Sarah?'...
Everybody called each other by their surnames.
● called [ADJ] v-link ADJ
There are two men called Buckley at the Home Office.
...a device called an optical amplifier.
2 [VERB] V n n, V n adj, V it adj to-inf, V pron-refl n
If you call someone or something a particular thing, you suggest they are that thing or describe them as that thing.
The speech was interrupted by members of the Conservative Party, who called him a traitor...
She calls me lazy and selfish...
He called it particularly cynical to begin releasing the hostages on Christmas Day...
Anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist.
3 [VERB] V n, V with quote
If you call something, you say it in a loud voice, because you are trying to attract someone's attention.
He could hear the others downstairs in different parts of the house calling his name...
`Boys!' she called again.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P with quote, also V n P
Call out means the same as call.
The butcher's son called out a greeting...
The train stopped and a porter called out, `Middlesbrough!'
4 [VERB] V n, V n, V
If you call someone, you telephone them.
Would you call me as soon as you find out?...
A friend of mine gave me this number to call...
`May I speak with Mr Coyne, please?'--`May I ask who's calling?'
= phone
5 [VERB] V n, be V-ed to-inf
If you call someone such as a doctor or the police, you ask them to come to you, usually by telephoning them.
He screamed for his wife to call an ambulance...
One night he was called to see a woman with tuberculosis.
6 [VERB] V n, V n prep
If you call someone, you ask them to come to you by shouting to them.
She called her young son: `Here, Stephen, come and look at this!'...
He called me over the Tannoy.
7 [N-COUNT]
When you make a telephone call, you telephone someone.
I made a phone call to the United States to talk to a friend...
I've had hundreds of calls from other victims...
8 [VERB] V n, V n
If someone in authority calls something such as a meeting, rehearsal, or election, they arrange for it to take place at a particular time.
The Committee decided to call a meeting of the All India Congress...
The RSC was calling a press conference to announce the theatre's closure...
9 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed prep
If someone is called before a court or committee, they are ordered to appear there, usually to give evidence.
The child waited two hours before she was called to give evidence...
I was called as an expert witness.
= summon
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V
If you call somewhere, you make a short visit there.
A market researcher called at the house where he was living...
Andrew now came almost weekly to call.
[N-COUNT]
Call is also a noun.
He decided to pay a call on Tommy Cummings.
11 [VERB] V prep/adv
When a train, bus, or ship calls somewhere, it stops there for a short time to allow people to get on or off.
The steamer calls at several ports along the way.
12 [VERB] V n
To call a game or sporting event means to cancel it, for example because of rain or bad light. (AM)
We called the next game.
= call off
13 [N-COUNT] usu N for n, N to-inf
If there is a call for something, someone demands that it should happen.
There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement...
Almost all workers heeded a call by the trade unions to stay at home for the duration of the strike.
14 [N-UNCOUNT] with brd-neg, N for n
If there is little or no call for something, very few people want it to be done or provided.
`Have you got just plain chocolate?'--`No, I'm afraid there's not much call for that.'
= demand
15 [N-SING] with poss
The call of something such as a place is the way it attracts or interests you strongly.
= pull, lure
16 [N-COUNT]
The call of a particular bird or animal is the characteristic sound that it makes.
...a wide range of animal noises and bird calls.
17
see also calling, so-called
18 [PHRASE] PHR n to-inf, PHR n
If you say that there is no call for someone to behave in a particular way, you are criticizing their behaviour, usually because you think it is rude.
There was no call for him to single you out from all the others.
= there is no need for
19 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If someone is on call, they are ready to go to work at any time if they are needed, especially if there is an emergency.
In theory I'm on call day and night.
...a doctor on call.
20 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you call in sick, you telephone the place where you work to tell them you will not be coming to work because you are ill.
`Shouldn't you be at work today?'--`I called in sick.'
21
to call someone's bluff: see bluff
to call it a day: see day
to call a halt: see halt
to call something to mind: see mind
call of nature: see nature
to call something your own: see own
to call something into question: see question
to call it quits: see quit
to call a spade a spade: see spade
to call the tune: see tune
too close to call: see closecall back
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P
If you call someone back, you telephone them again or in return for a telephone call that they have made to you.
If we're not around she'll take a message and we'll call you back...
= ring backcall box (call boxes)
also call-box
1 [N-COUNT]
A call box is the same as a telephone box. (BRIT)
2 [N-COUNT]
A call box is a telephone in a box or case, often on a pole, that is at the side of a road and that you can use in emergencies. (mainly AM)call cen|tre (call centres)
in AM, use call center
[N-COUNT]
A call centre is an office where people work answering or making telephone calls for a particular company.call for
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call for someone, you go to the building where they are, so that you can both go somewhere.
I shall be calling for you at seven o'clock.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call for something, you demand that it should happen.
They angrily called for Robinson's resignation...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If something calls for a particular action or quality, it needs it or makes it necessary.
It's a situation that calls for a blend of delicacy and force.
= demand, requirecall girl (call girls)
[N-COUNT]
A call girl is a prostitute who makes appointments by telephone.call in
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you call someone in, you ask them to come and help you or do something for you.
Call in an architect or surveyor to oversee the work.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P on n
If you call in somewhere, you make a short visit there.
He just calls in occasionally...
I got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home.
= drop incall off
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you call off an event that has been planned, you cancel it.
He has called off the trip...
The union threatened a strike but called it off at the last minute.call on
or call upon
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n to-inf
If you call on someone to do something or call upon them to do it, you say publicly that you want them to do it.
One of Kenya's leading churchmen has called on the government to resign...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call on someone or call upon someone, you pay them a short visit.
Sofia was intending to call on Miss Kitts.call out
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P, be V-ed P to n
If you call someone out, you order or request that they come to help, especially in an emergency.
Colombia has called out the army and imposed emergency measures...
I called the doctor out...
The fire brigade should always be called out to a house fire.
see also call 3call sign (call signs)
[N-COUNT]
A call sign is the letters and numbers which identify a person, vehicle, or organization that is broadcasting on the radio or sending messages by radio.call up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron), V P
If you call someone up, you telephone them. (mainly AM)
When I'm in Pittsburgh, I call him up...
He called up the museum...
Sometimes I'd even call up at 4 a.m.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If someone is called up, they are ordered to join the army, navy, or air force.
Youngsters coming up to university were being called up...
The United States has called up some 150,000 military reservists.
= draft
3 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P
If someone is called up, they are chosen to play in a sports team.
He is likely to be called up for Thursday's match against Italy.
see also call-upcall upon
see call oncall wait|ing
[N-UNCOUNT] oft N n
Call waiting is a telephone service that sends you a signal if another call arrives while you are already on the phone.clari|on call (clarion calls)
[N-COUNT]
A clarion call is a strong and emotional appeal to people to do something. (LITERARY)
Paine's words are a clarion call for democracy.cold call (cold calls cold calling cold called)
1 [N-COUNT]
If someone makes a cold call, they telephone or visit someone they have never contacted, without making an appointment, in order to try and sell something.
She had worked as a call centre operator making cold calls for time-share holidays.
2 [VERB] V, also V n
To cold call means to make a cold call.
You should refuse to meet anyone who cold calls with an offer of financial advice.
● cold calling [N-UNCOUNT]
We will adhere to strict sales ethics, with none of the cold calling that has given the industry such a bad name.con|fer|ence call (conference calls)
[N-COUNT]
A conference call is a phone call in which more than two people take part. (BUSINESS)
There are daily conference calls with Washington.cur|tain call (curtain calls)
also curtain-call
[N-COUNT]
In a theatre, when actors or performers take a curtain call, they come forward to the front of the stage after a performance in order to receive the applause of the audience.
They took 23 curtain calls.judg|ment call (judgment calls)
in BRIT, also use judgement call
[N-COUNT]
If you refer to a decision as a judgment call, you mean that there are no firm rules or principles that can help you make it, so you simply have to rely on your own judgement and instinct.
Well, physicians make judgment calls every day.phone call (phone calls)
[N-COUNT]
If you make a phone call, you dial someone's phone number and speak to them by phone.
Wait there for a minute. I have to make a phone call.port of call (ports of call)
1 [N-COUNT]
A port of call is a place where a ship stops during a journey.
Their first port of call will be Cape Town.
2 [N-COUNT]
A port of call is any place where you stop for a short time when you are visiting several places, shops, or people. (INFORMAL)
The local tourist office should be your first port of call in any town.re|verse charge call (reverse charge calls)
[N-COUNT]
A reverse charge call is a telephone call which is paid for by the person who receives the call, rather than the person who makes the call. (BRIT; in AM, use collect call)roll call (roll calls)
also roll-call
1 [N-VAR]
If you take a roll call, you check which of the members of a group are present by reading their names out.
We had to stand in the snow every morning for roll call.
2 [N-SING] N of n
A roll call of a particular type of people or things is a list of them. (JOURNALISM)
Her list of pupils read like a roll-call of the great and good.wake-up call (wake-up calls)
1 [N-COUNT] usu sing
A wake-up call is a telephone call that you can book through an operator or at a hotel to make sure that you wake up at a particular time.
2 [N-COUNT] usu sing, oft N to n
If you say that something is a wake-up call to a person or group of people, you mean that it will make them notice something and start to take action.
The Ambassador said he hoped the statement would serve as a wake-up call to the government.
1 [VERB] V n n, V n by n
If you call someone or something by a particular name or title, you give them that name or title.
`Doctor...'--`Will you please call me Sarah?'...
Everybody called each other by their surnames.
● called [ADJ] v-link ADJ
There are two men called Buckley at the Home Office.
...a device called an optical amplifier.
2 [VERB] V n n, V n adj, V it adj to-inf, V pron-refl n
If you call someone or something a particular thing, you suggest they are that thing or describe them as that thing.
The speech was interrupted by members of the Conservative Party, who called him a traitor...
She calls me lazy and selfish...
He called it particularly cynical to begin releasing the hostages on Christmas Day...
Anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist.
3 [VERB] V n, V with quote
If you call something, you say it in a loud voice, because you are trying to attract someone's attention.
He could hear the others downstairs in different parts of the house calling his name...
`Boys!' she called again.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P with quote, also V n P
Call out means the same as call.
The butcher's son called out a greeting...
The train stopped and a porter called out, `Middlesbrough!'
4 [VERB] V n, V n, V
If you call someone, you telephone them.
Would you call me as soon as you find out?...
A friend of mine gave me this number to call...
`May I speak with Mr Coyne, please?'--`May I ask who's calling?'
= phone
5 [VERB] V n, be V-ed to-inf
If you call someone such as a doctor or the police, you ask them to come to you, usually by telephoning them.
He screamed for his wife to call an ambulance...
One night he was called to see a woman with tuberculosis.
6 [VERB] V n, V n prep
If you call someone, you ask them to come to you by shouting to them.
She called her young son: `Here, Stephen, come and look at this!'...
He called me over the Tannoy.
7 [N-COUNT]
When you make a telephone call, you telephone someone.
I made a phone call to the United States to talk to a friend...
I've had hundreds of calls from other victims...
8 [VERB] V n, V n
If someone in authority calls something such as a meeting, rehearsal, or election, they arrange for it to take place at a particular time.
The Committee decided to call a meeting of the All India Congress...
The RSC was calling a press conference to announce the theatre's closure...
9 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed prep
If someone is called before a court or committee, they are ordered to appear there, usually to give evidence.
The child waited two hours before she was called to give evidence...
I was called as an expert witness.
= summon
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V
If you call somewhere, you make a short visit there.
A market researcher called at the house where he was living...
Andrew now came almost weekly to call.
[N-COUNT]
Call is also a noun.
He decided to pay a call on Tommy Cummings.
11 [VERB] V prep/adv
When a train, bus, or ship calls somewhere, it stops there for a short time to allow people to get on or off.
The steamer calls at several ports along the way.
12 [VERB] V n
To call a game or sporting event means to cancel it, for example because of rain or bad light. (AM)
We called the next game.
= call off
13 [N-COUNT] usu N for n, N to-inf
If there is a call for something, someone demands that it should happen.
There have been calls for a new kind of security arrangement...
Almost all workers heeded a call by the trade unions to stay at home for the duration of the strike.
14 [N-UNCOUNT] with brd-neg, N for n
If there is little or no call for something, very few people want it to be done or provided.
`Have you got just plain chocolate?'--`No, I'm afraid there's not much call for that.'
= demand
15 [N-SING] with poss
The call of something such as a place is the way it attracts or interests you strongly.
= pull, lure
16 [N-COUNT]
The call of a particular bird or animal is the characteristic sound that it makes.
...a wide range of animal noises and bird calls.
17
see also calling, so-called
18 [PHRASE] PHR n to-inf, PHR n
If you say that there is no call for someone to behave in a particular way, you are criticizing their behaviour, usually because you think it is rude.
There was no call for him to single you out from all the others.
= there is no need for
19 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If someone is on call, they are ready to go to work at any time if they are needed, especially if there is an emergency.
In theory I'm on call day and night.
...a doctor on call.
20 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you call in sick, you telephone the place where you work to tell them you will not be coming to work because you are ill.
`Shouldn't you be at work today?'--`I called in sick.'
21
to call someone's bluff: see bluff
to call it a day: see day
to call a halt: see halt
to call something to mind: see mind
call of nature: see nature
to call something your own: see own
to call something into question: see question
to call it quits: see quit
to call a spade a spade: see spade
to call the tune: see tune
too close to call: see closecall back
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P
If you call someone back, you telephone them again or in return for a telephone call that they have made to you.
If we're not around she'll take a message and we'll call you back...
= ring backcall box (call boxes)
also call-box
1 [N-COUNT]
A call box is the same as a telephone box. (BRIT)
2 [N-COUNT]
A call box is a telephone in a box or case, often on a pole, that is at the side of a road and that you can use in emergencies. (mainly AM)call cen|tre (call centres)
in AM, use call center
[N-COUNT]
A call centre is an office where people work answering or making telephone calls for a particular company.call for
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call for someone, you go to the building where they are, so that you can both go somewhere.
I shall be calling for you at seven o'clock.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call for something, you demand that it should happen.
They angrily called for Robinson's resignation...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If something calls for a particular action or quality, it needs it or makes it necessary.
It's a situation that calls for a blend of delicacy and force.
= demand, requirecall girl (call girls)
[N-COUNT]
A call girl is a prostitute who makes appointments by telephone.call in
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you call someone in, you ask them to come and help you or do something for you.
Call in an architect or surveyor to oversee the work.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P on n
If you call in somewhere, you make a short visit there.
He just calls in occasionally...
I got into the habit of calling in on Gloria on my way home.
= drop incall off
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If you call off an event that has been planned, you cancel it.
He has called off the trip...
The union threatened a strike but called it off at the last minute.call on
or call upon
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n to-inf
If you call on someone to do something or call upon them to do it, you say publicly that you want them to do it.
One of Kenya's leading churchmen has called on the government to resign...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you call on someone or call upon someone, you pay them a short visit.
Sofia was intending to call on Miss Kitts.call out
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P, be V-ed P to n
If you call someone out, you order or request that they come to help, especially in an emergency.
Colombia has called out the army and imposed emergency measures...
I called the doctor out...
The fire brigade should always be called out to a house fire.
see also call 3call sign (call signs)
[N-COUNT]
A call sign is the letters and numbers which identify a person, vehicle, or organization that is broadcasting on the radio or sending messages by radio.call up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P n (not pron), V P
If you call someone up, you telephone them. (mainly AM)
When I'm in Pittsburgh, I call him up...
He called up the museum...
Sometimes I'd even call up at 4 a.m.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
If someone is called up, they are ordered to join the army, navy, or air force.
Youngsters coming up to university were being called up...
The United States has called up some 150,000 military reservists.
= draft
3 [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P
If someone is called up, they are chosen to play in a sports team.
He is likely to be called up for Thursday's match against Italy.
see also call-upcall upon
see call oncall wait|ing
[N-UNCOUNT] oft N n
Call waiting is a telephone service that sends you a signal if another call arrives while you are already on the phone.clari|on call (clarion calls)
[N-COUNT]
A clarion call is a strong and emotional appeal to people to do something. (LITERARY)
Paine's words are a clarion call for democracy.cold call (cold calls cold calling cold called)
1 [N-COUNT]
If someone makes a cold call, they telephone or visit someone they have never contacted, without making an appointment, in order to try and sell something.
She had worked as a call centre operator making cold calls for time-share holidays.
2 [VERB] V, also V n
To cold call means to make a cold call.
You should refuse to meet anyone who cold calls with an offer of financial advice.
● cold calling [N-UNCOUNT]
We will adhere to strict sales ethics, with none of the cold calling that has given the industry such a bad name.con|fer|ence call (conference calls)
[N-COUNT]
A conference call is a phone call in which more than two people take part. (BUSINESS)
There are daily conference calls with Washington.cur|tain call (curtain calls)
also curtain-call
[N-COUNT]
In a theatre, when actors or performers take a curtain call, they come forward to the front of the stage after a performance in order to receive the applause of the audience.
They took 23 curtain calls.judg|ment call (judgment calls)
in BRIT, also use judgement call
[N-COUNT]
If you refer to a decision as a judgment call, you mean that there are no firm rules or principles that can help you make it, so you simply have to rely on your own judgement and instinct.
Well, physicians make judgment calls every day.phone call (phone calls)
[N-COUNT]
If you make a phone call, you dial someone's phone number and speak to them by phone.
Wait there for a minute. I have to make a phone call.port of call (ports of call)
1 [N-COUNT]
A port of call is a place where a ship stops during a journey.
Their first port of call will be Cape Town.
2 [N-COUNT]
A port of call is any place where you stop for a short time when you are visiting several places, shops, or people. (INFORMAL)
The local tourist office should be your first port of call in any town.re|verse charge call (reverse charge calls)
[N-COUNT]
A reverse charge call is a telephone call which is paid for by the person who receives the call, rather than the person who makes the call. (BRIT; in AM, use collect call)roll call (roll calls)
also roll-call
1 [N-VAR]
If you take a roll call, you check which of the members of a group are present by reading their names out.
We had to stand in the snow every morning for roll call.
2 [N-SING] N of n
A roll call of a particular type of people or things is a list of them. (JOURNALISM)
Her list of pupils read like a roll-call of the great and good.wake-up call (wake-up calls)
1 [N-COUNT] usu sing
A wake-up call is a telephone call that you can book through an operator or at a hotel to make sure that you wake up at a particular time.
2 [N-COUNT] usu sing, oft N to n
If you say that something is a wake-up call to a person or group of people, you mean that it will make them notice something and start to take action.
The Ambassador said he hoped the statement would serve as a wake-up call to the government.