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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But voting in favor of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks is not uncommon for Democratic senators, a McClatchy News analysis of Senate roll call votes shows. Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025 This is just a procedural vote, and senators can change their vote during the final confirmation roll call. Stef W. Kight, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025 With students only starting to trickle back onto campus after a recent evacuation in the wake of the Southern California wildfires, only a smattering of students showed up and the pregame roll call was abandoned. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 During the presidential roll call, each figure acknowledges their name with a nod, and there’s spotlight action. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for roll call 

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roll call was in 1763

Dictionary Entries Near roll call

Cite this Entry

“Roll call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roll%20call. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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