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

The police department, which usually has roll call meetings in each patrol district before shifts start, will be holding a citywide roll call for current and retired officers to memorialize Vick on Tuesday. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025

Holocaust survivor Naftali Furst, 92, spoke at the wreath-laying ceremony held at the camp’s former roll call area. —Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025

The bill moved quickly through the House, resulting in 40 minutes of debate Monday before the roll call. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025

That roll call of managers underlines Leeds’ improvement between Byram’s departure to east London and the club’s Marcelo Bielsa-led Premier League promotion in 2020. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 9 May 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