Call
/kɔːl/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make a sound, usually to attract attention.
/kɔːl/
To utter a sound
The baby called for her mother.
💡 Simply: To make a sound.
More Examples
The teacher called on a student to answer the question.
How It's Used
"The bird called loudly."
To contact someone by telephone.
/kɔːl/
To make a phone call
I need to call my doctor.
💡 Simply: To phone someone.
More Examples
He called to cancel the appointment.
How It's Used
"I will call you later."
A shout or cry.
/kɔːl/
A shout or cry
He heard a call for justice.
💡 Simply: A loud sound.
More Examples
The call of the wild.
How It's Used
"There was a loud call for help."
Idioms & expressions
call off
To cancel something.
"The game was called off due to rain."
From Old English *callan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kallen and German rufen.
The word 'call' has been used consistently across centuries, shifting nuance based on context (e.g., a religious calling vs. a phone call).
Memory tip
Think of a bird CALLing out.
Word Origin
"to shout, to summon"