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

The incumbents have run as a group and are elected by an open roll call vote of delegates attending the international convention. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026

At the roll call for the FIFA Congress where all nations were named, Iran was announced as absent. —Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

The House swiftly voted by voice Thursday, without a formal roll call, to pass the measure. —Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Since then, he's missed 50 roll call votes. —Lauren Peller, ABC News, 24 Apr. 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