WordGarden.iocall
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɔːl/
US
- /ˈkɔl/
Meanings
Verb
to contact someone by phone
to give someone or something a name, label, or description
to ask, summon, or order someone to come or act
More meaningsFewer meanings
to shout or speak loudly to get attention
Noun
a phone conversation or attempt to contact someone by phone
a request, demand, or appeal for something to happen
a decision, judgment, or official ruling
More meaningsFewer meanings
a shout, cry, or signaling sound
Beyond the definition
The word "call" seems simple, but it's surprisingly versatile! You call someone on the phone to chat, a bird might call with a cheerful song, and a firefighter might call for backup when battling a blaze. It can mean to summon someone—like a king calling his knights—or to give someone a name, like calling a new pet "Buddy."
Think of it as reaching out—whether through voice, signal, or demand. A ship's captain might call out the order to set sail, and a referee will call fouls during a game. Even a feeling can "call" to you, like a strong desire or intuition. When you have to make a choice, you might even say, "It's your call!"
The word "call" has a fascinating range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of communication, naming, or demanding attention. At its most basic, to call means to use your voice—whether it's shouting for help ("Fire!"), identifying someone by name ("They call him Jack"), or speaking on the phone (calling a friend).
But "call" goes beyond just sound. It can mean to summon someone to a specific place or purpose: "The king called his advisors to discuss the crisis." Or it can be a demand for action: "The union called a strike." A call to arms is an urgent request for people to fight. Figuratively, "call" describes something that strongly attracts or appeals to you—"a strong call to adventure" or "the call of the wild."
It also refers to a decision made by an official: "The judge's call was controversial." In card games like poker, a call is the act of matching a bet. Even in weather, the verb is common; a forecast might call for rain. And don't forget the noun form! A phone call, a distress call, or even a bird's mating call. Ultimately, whether it's a shout, a summons, a name, or a decision—"call" is about making contact, issuing a request, or drawing attention to something important.
Examples
- 1
Phone promise
I'll call you when I get home.
- 2
Meeting confirmation
She called to confirm the time of the meeting.
- Patterncall to + verb
phone in order to do that
- 3
Nickname
Everyone calls her Jo at work.
- Patterncall someone + name
use that name for them
- 4
Description
I wouldn't call him rude, just a little impatient.
- Patterncall someone/something + adjective/noun
describe them that way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emergency help
He called for help when he saw the fire.
- 6
Public demand
The union is calling for higher pay.
- Phrasecall for
publicly ask for
- 7
Job requirement
This job calls for a lot of patience.
- Phrasecall for
need or require
- 8
Cancellation
They called off the game because of the storm.
- Phrasecall off
cancel
- 9
Bank contact
I got a call from the bank this morning.
- 10
Phone or online meeting
Sorry, I can't talk right now, I'm on a call.
- Phraseon a call
speaking to someone by phone or online
- 11
Decision
If you don't want to go, it's your call.
- Phraseyour call
your decision
- 12
Ending work
Let's call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
- Phrasecall it a day
stop working for now
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- callnounverb
Forms
- calledpast tenseverbnoun
- calling-ing formverbnoun
- callspluralnounverb