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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
Synonyms
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
During the presidential roll call, each figure acknowledges their name with a nod, and there’s spotlight action.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
Here’s the roll call of second basemen in the expansion era with that many hits and that many wins above replacement in their first 11 full seasons: Ryne Sandberg, Roberto Alomar, Robinson Canó … and Pedroia.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Libertarian, ultimately refused to change his vote and did not support Johnson, as six other holdouts changed their minds and voted for Johnson after initially declining to vote at all when the initial roll call happened.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
However, members can still change their votes as the roll call is ongoing.
46 minutes ago
Another Republican defects from Johnson
South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman just voted for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for roll call
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Word History
First Known Use
1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Dictionary Entries Near roll call
Cite this Entry
“Roll call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roll%20call. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
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