close call

noun

: a narrow escape

Examples of close call in a Sentence

We nearly didn't get out of the burning building. It was a pretty close call, let me tell you! the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive
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.
Despite this alarming rise in close calls, Brickhouse tells PEOPLE that flying is still the safest way to travel. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 The tragedy will likely hinge on the design of helicopter routes and reported failures to heed safety alerts on close calls. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The two planes came within 1,680 feet of each other in one of several high-profile close calls at the time. Aaron Cooper, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 Southwest plane lands safely in Chicago after close call with jet that went on runway without authorization At 8:33 a.m., the pilot called 911 reporting the crash and said all three people on board had non-life-threatening injuries, Greene said. Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for close call

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close call was in 1881

Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20call. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

close call

noun
: a narrow escape
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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