call

verb

1》 cry out to (someone) in order to summon them or attract their attention.

    ↘telephone.

    ↘bring (a witness) into court to give evidence.

    ↘Bridge make (a particular bid) during the auction.

2》 (of an animal, especially a bird) make its characteristic cry.

3》 give a specified name to.

    ↘address by a specified name, title, etc.

    ↘consider or describe (someone or something) as being: he's the only person I would call a friend.

4》 pay a brief visit.

    ↘(call for) stop to collect.

    ↘(call at) (of a train or coach) stop at (a specified station) on a particular route.

5》 fix a date or time for (a meeting, strike, or election).

    ↘predict the outcome of (a future event).

6》 dated inspire or urge to do something.

7》 Computing cause the execution of (a subroutine).

8》 Cricket (of an umpire) no-ball (a bowler) for throwing.

noun

1》 a cry made as a summons or to attract attention.

    ↘a telephone communication.

    ↘Bridge a bid, response, or double.

2》 the characteristic cry of a bird or other animal.

3》 (call for) an appeal or demand for.

    ↘[usu. with negative] demand or need for: there is little call for antique furniture.

4》 a brief visit.

5》 a vocation: his call to be a disciple.

6》 a shout by an official in a game indicating that the ball has gone out of play or that a rule has been breached.

Phrases

at call see on call (sense 2).

call attention to cause people to notice.

call something into (or in) question cast doubt on something.

the call of nature euphemistic a need to urinate or defecate.

call the shots (or tune) take the initiative in deciding how something should be done.

call someone/thing to order ask those present at a meeting to be silent so that business may proceed.

on call

1》 available to provide a professional service if necessary, but not formally on duty.

2》 (of money lent) repayable on demand.

Phrasal verbs

call for require; demand.

call someone/thing down cause someone or something to appear or occur.

call something in require payment of a loan or promise of money.

call something off cancel an event or agreement.

call on/upon have recourse to.

call someone up summon someone to serve in the army or to play in a team.

call something up summon for use something that is stored or kept available.

Derivatives

caller noun

Origin

OE ceallian, from ON kalla 'summon loudly'.