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 three-year contract allows Teamsters members to opt out of the city’s health plan, establishes a Step 6 with a 5% increase and raised call-in pay from $4.25 to $5 an hour. —Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

During the long years of Labour opposition, Lammy, who is fifty-two, hosted a call-in radio show and cultivated a significant presence online. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Verb

Officers responded to a call in the 1000 block of Ross Avenue at about 3:45 a.m., police said. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2025

Unable to speak publicly on the unofficial deal, Cora responded by jokingly attributing the cigar to Henry's frustration over a missed call in an English Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

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