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

Phrases

call in sick

: to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The first live call-in show will be next Tuesday at noon, with Beshear joined by Progress host John Fugelsang. —David Bauder, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Promoting his late-night relationship advice call-in show, Cannon, 44, said age, experience and fatherhood have tempered his player proclivities. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025

Verb

Officers called in a police tactical team as well as crisis negotiators to try to coax the man to surrender, said department officials. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025

As the first crews began attacking the fire from inside the building, other crews were called in to make sure no one was inside. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025

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
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb

: call sense 4