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 price for Senate Republicans to finish the college sports bill quickly this week might be a roll call vote on allowing NCAA athletes to organize. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The celebrity roll call also includes Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson, The Pitt star Noah Wyle, and director Robert Luketic. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

The roll call late Tuesday, 220-204, was similar to earlier efforts this summer, with a few more Republicans joining all Democrats voting to bring an end to the conflict. — Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026

McConnell has missed 60 roll call votes on the Senate floor since he was hospitalized, including votes on several key bills and nominations. — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 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