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

Houlahan was one of 10 Democrats who crossed party lines and voted to censure Green, according to roll call vote records. —Lauren Penington, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025

The resolution making the change states the council often considers multiple items on its agenda that are not controversial or otherwise objectionable, often leading to multiple unanimous roll call votes. —Samuel Clanton, arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2025

Let every Council member speak out about the need to get rid of the scaffolding and then ask for a roll call. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025

Republicans pushed for a roll call vote, which was defeated by the Democrats along party lines by 24-10. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 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