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 of roll call

• list
• listing

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

These are just a few of the daily roll calls of assaults on Jewish institutions. —Joshua M. Davidson, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026

The roll call of the present goes through the coronavirus pandemic, George Floyd, January 6, Project 2025, Charlie Kirk, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Evidence storage space is short, the department’s roll call room doubles as a lunch room and training space and space for police equipment storage is tight. —Alice Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Wyden blocked the possibility of a Senate voice vote last month, forcing a roll call vote for Rudd’s confirmation. —Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 10 Mar. 2026

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