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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roll call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roll%20call. Accessed 18 Mar. 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
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