: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest
a call-in show
called in; calling in; calls in
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
: to communicate with a person by telephone
see also call in sick
Examples of call-in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Feb. 2026
When Mike Ditka brought his call-in show from WGN-AM to the Score in 1992, WSCR bosses assigned Boers to serve as one of the station’s interlocutors.
—Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Farthing called in to report that he had been stabbed, and a struggle ensued between him and Lovely.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for call-in
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show current usage.
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Adjective
For the return of his show, Bongino excitedly promised a call-in from the president himself.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Feb. 2026
When Mike Ditka brought his call-in show from WGN-AM to the Score in 1992, WSCR bosses assigned Boers to serve as one of the station’s interlocutors.
—Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
Earlier this week at a photo call in London, Robbie also dipped her toe into the late 1700s by way of a John Galliano brocade frock coat styled with a black mini skirt, thigh-high scarlet red stockings and satin Manolo Blahnik pumps.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Farthing called in to report that he had been stabbed, and a struggle ensued between him and Lovely.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for call-in
Cite this Entry
“Call-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-in. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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