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

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual joint call-in-show and press conference, on December 19, 2025 in Moscow, Russia. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026

The defendant is a SAVE KC client, but did not attend a call-in. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

Verb

Hayes called in a 26-player roster, with all the players coming from NWSL rosters. —Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

When the Magic miss a shot or don’t get a foul call in their favor, the team on occasion doesn’t get set in its half-court defense, which allows opponents to get easy baskets. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 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
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb

: call sense 4