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

Iconic hero groups the X-Men and the Fantastic Four are set to team up with the Avengers for the first time on the silver screen in Doomsday giving it a cast list which reads like a roll call for the Oscars. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Martinez's family, the Chicago Police Department, and public officials participated in a roll call as a way to thank police for their work. —Acacia Hernandez, CBS News, 24 May 2026

At the time, Massie refused to allow the COVID-19 package to be approved without a formal roll call, forcing hundreds of lawmakers back to the Capitol. —ABC News, 20 May 2026

The service of hymns and prayer will be followed by a memorial roll call of members of the armed services who died in active duty. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 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