call-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯl-ˌin 

: 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:

call in sick

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Almost every live broadcast has a call-in element that allows viewers to speak on-air to their favorite hosts, to ask questions about the product, or, more frequently, praise it and announce their intention to buy more. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026

The sheriff's office initiated an emergency call-in of all off-duty deputies and requested mutual aid from Rock, Kenosha and Jefferson counties and the Wisconsin State Patrol and DNR. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Verb

The mayor said despite multiple attempts to de-escalate, law enforcement was called in due to safety concerns, leading to arrests. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

The bank also called in the federal government, with FBI agents dispersing to Bellum’s Burbank high-rise and the bank’s offices. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for call-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb

: call sense 4