roll call

noun

1

: the act or an instance of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

also : a time for a roll call

2

: list entry 1

Synonyms

• canon
• catalog
• catalogue
• checklist
• list
• listing
• menu
• register
• registry
• roll
• roster
• schedule
• table

Examples of roll call in a Sentence

Two students missed roll call.

the roll call of the fallen was read aloud at the memorial service

Recent Examples on the Web

Staff meeting The official announcement of Johnson’s 2025 coaching staff came Thursday, a roll call of 28 assistants that includes two newcomers in the defensive and offensive coordinator positions with disparate experience. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025

During the dramatic roll call, the strain on Johnson was clear. —Democrat-Gazette Staff and Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 4 Jan. 2025

During the roll call, six Republicans initially abstained from voting and three voted for someone else. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025

Lawmakers call out the name of their choice for speaker from the floor, a rare and time-consuming roll call that heightens the drama on the floor. —Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for roll call

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

roll call

noun

: the action of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

also : a time for a roll call

Legal Definition

roll call

noun

: the act or an instance of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

specifically : an act or instance of calling the roll of a legislative body to determine if there is a quorum or to vote on a matter