Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

roll call

noun
|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Definition of roll call

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 : 1list

See roll call defined for English-language learners

See roll call defined for kids

Examples of roll call in a Sentence

  1. Two students missed roll call.

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

Recent Examples of roll call from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'roll call.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of roll call

1763

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

roll call Synonyms

Synonyms

canon, catalog (or catalogue), checklist, list, listing, menu, register, registry, roll, roster, schedule, table;

Related Words

agenda, bibliography, compendium, compilation, directory, docket, enumeration, glossary, index, inventory, manifest, payroll;

calendar, chronology, timetable;

ROLL CALL Defined for English Language Learners

roll call

noun

Definition of roll call for English Language Learners

  • : the act of saying each of the names on a list to find out who is present

  • : a list of people or things

Law Dictionary

roll call

noun

legal Definition of roll call

: 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

Learn More about roll call

  1. See words that rhyme with roll call Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for roll call

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up roll call? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

nonchalant

play

having an air of easy unconcern

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  2. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  3. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

  4. emolument 'the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites'

  5. troll 'to harass, criticize, or antagonize especially by disparaging or mocking public statements'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

roll call

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games