call-in

1 of 2

adjective

: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest
a call-in show

call in

2 of 2

verb

called in; calling in; calls in

transitive verb

1
: to order to return or to be returned: such as
a
: to withdraw from an advanced position
call in the outposts
b
: to withdraw from circulation
call in bank notes and issue new ones
2
: to summon to one's aid or for consultation
call in a mediator
3
: to deliver (a message) by telephone
call in an order for pizza

intransitive verb

: to communicate with a person by telephone
see also:

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
In December, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual call-in show, a war reporter for the Kremlin’s main propaganda channel asked why the military had failed to develop its own version of this weapon after nearly four years of war. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 For the return of his show, Bongino excitedly promised a call-in from the president himself. Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
The catalogue of eight plans is part of Boise’s housing agenda, which already allows ADUs — smaller, secondary homes attached or adjacent to a primary residence that are often called in-law or mother-in-law units — in nearly all zoning districts. Mark Dee march 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026 More than 160 firefighters and EMS members were called in to put out the flames and lend medical assistance. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call-in

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of call-in was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-in. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster