margin call
noun
plural margin calls
: a demand made to an investor by a broker or brokerage firm for more funds or securities to be added to a margin account when the equity in the account falls below a certain threshold
In other words, a margin call is a demand that you increase the equity in your margin account to sufficient levels through one or more transactions.—Kevin L. Matthews II
… the nation's largest discount-brokerage house, said Thursday it expects to take a $22 million charge against fourth-quarter earnings because of the failure of several customers to satisfy recent margin calls.—Paul Farhi
Cite this Entry
“Margin call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/margin%20call. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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