called; calling; calls
1
a
: to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : shout
call for help
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)
just called to say hello
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 upShe 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
called on a friend
1
a(1)
: to utter in a loud distinct voice
—often used with out
call out a number
(2)
: to announce or read loudly or authoritatively
call the roll
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
was called to testify
(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
call a meeting
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
call a pitchout
(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.)
call balls and strikes
call a base runner safe
k
: to give the calls for (a square dance)
—often used with off
l(1)
: to demand payment of especially by formal notice
call a loan
(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 upCall 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
call 911
(3)
: to make a signal to in order to transmit a message
call the flagship
2
a
: to speak of or address by a specified name : give a name to
call her Kitty
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
call it an even dollar
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
call the toss of a coin
3
: to temporarily transfer control of computer processing to (something, such as a subroutine or procedure)
plural calls
1
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
the call of the wild
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
b
: need, justification
there's no call for such behavior
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
4
5
: a short usually formal visit
pay a call on a neighbor
6
: the name or thing called
the call was heads
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
a telephone call
a video call
made a call to the mayor
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share