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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roll call was in 1763

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!