roll call

noun

1

: the act or an instance of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

also : a time for a roll call

2

: list entry 1

Synonyms of roll call

• list
• listing

Examples of roll call in a Sentence

Two students missed roll call.

the roll call of the fallen was read aloud at the memorial service

Recent Examples on the Web

Royal and Presidential Suites have separate living rooms, more palatial decor, and past guest lists that read like a United Nations roll call. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

In a message sent to the members of the Quorum Court on Thursday by the body's parliamentarian, a review of the roll call and video/audio recordings of the meeting found that the vote did not meet the requirement for a emergency ordinance. —Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 28 May 2026

In the Oakland Unified School District, too many students have been missing from roll call. —Maddie White, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Iconic hero groups the X-Men and the Fantastic Four are set to team up with the Avengers for the first time on the silver screen in Doomsday giving it a cast list which reads like a roll call for the Oscars. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for roll call

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

roll call

noun

: the action of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

also : a time for a roll call

Legal Definition

roll call

noun

: the act or an instance of calling off a list of names (as for checking attendance)

specifically : an act or instance of calling the roll of a legislative body to determine if there is a quorum or to vote on a matter