call-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯl-ˌin 

: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest

a call-in show

call in

2 of 2

verb

called in; calling in; calls in

transitive verb

1

: to order to return or to be returned: such as

a

: to withdraw from an advanced position

call in the outposts

b

: to withdraw from circulation

call in bank notes and issue new ones

2

: to summon to one's aid or for consultation

call in a mediator

3

: to deliver (a message) by telephone

call in an order for pizza

intransitive verb

: to communicate with a person by telephone

Phrases

call in sick

: to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The veteran broadcaster retired after hosting call-in talk shows for 30+ years. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

The ladies reminisce on past collaboration projects, and give relationship advice to a call-in fan. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

The list of witnesses Rudy Giuliani plans to call in his defense in his looming trial was made public after a ruling by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman on Monday. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

This negotiation is often done over the phone, having provided a number to call in the Gmail message. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb

: call sense 4