Language Research

call · verb

/kɔːl/Full view

be called sth

A1 to have a particular name

Dictionary examples:

a boy called Adam

Their latest album is called "In Rainbows".

Learner example:

My friend is called Jessica. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; German)

call (TELEPHONE)

A2 I or T to telephone someone

Dictionary examples:

She called me this morning at the office.

Your mum called last night when you were out.

I've been calling all morning but I can't get hold of him.

I called the police.

Learner example:

For more information, call this number 0862 410919. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

call (NAME)

B1 T to give someone or something a particular name

Dictionary examples:

They've called the twins Katherine and Thomas.

His real name is Jonathan, but they've always called him 'Johnny'.

Learner example:

Two months later, the baby girl was born and [she] called her 'Mary'. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

call (SHOUT)

B1 I or T to say something in a loud voice, especially in order to attract someone's attention

Dictionary examples:

Did you call?

I thought I heard someone call my name.

Someone in the crowd called (out) his name.

"Hey, come over here!" she called.

Learner example:

I ignored the voice, but again someone called me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

call (DESCRIBE)

B2 T to describe someone or something in a particular way

Dictionary examples:

Are you calling me a liar?

He called it a disgrace.

Learner example:

You work too hard and you could be called [a] work[a]holic. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

call in sick

B2 to telephone the place where you work and report that you are sick and unable to work

Dictionary example:

Three people called in sick this morning.

Learner example:

A few minutes after the concert began, a backstage assistant called in sick who was responsible for checking w[h]ether everything is going well according to the timetable. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

call (ASK TO COME)

C1 I or T to ask someone to come somewhere

Dictionary examples:

She called me into her office.

He called me over to where he was sitting.

I keep the bedroom door open in case the children call for me in the night.

Learner example:

Next door there's an elderly neighbour who I have always helped. [...] Remember to call him over [sometimes] and together watch television or play cards. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

call an election/meeting, etc.

C1 to arrange for an election/meeting, etc. to happen

Dictionary example:

The chairman has called an emergency meeting.

Learner example:

We hope you w[ill] call a meeting to discuss this matter in detail. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Russian)

call it a day

C2 to stop doing something, especially working

Dictionary example:

It's almost midnight - let's call it a day.

Learner example:

She decided to call it a day, so Meredith mustered all her courage and wrote a letter to him: "You are not good enough for me," she told him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

call sb names

C2 to use impolite or unpleasant words to describe someone

Dictionary example:

He said the other children were calling him names.

Learner example:

He had never called me names or told me off. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

call back (sb) or call (sb) back

A2 to telephone someone again, or to telephone someone who telephoned you earlier

Dictionary example:

I'm a bit busy - can I call you back later?

Learner example:

If you get this note, call me back if you have a problem [on] 5681275. (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

call back

B2 to return to a place in order to see someone or collect something

Dictionary example:

I'll call back later to pick up the books.

Learner example:

I said to him it was better to call back when you [are] back home. (First Certificate in English; B2; )

call for sb

B1 to go to a place in order to collect someone

Dictionary example:

I'll call for you at eight.

Learner example:

I'll call for you on Friday afternoon. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

call for sth (SAY)

C2 to demand that something happens

Dictionary example:

to call for a ban on guns

Learner example:

You, as the local newspaper, [are] in the proper position to call for a collective reaction against the supermarket proposal. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

call in

B2 to visit a place or person for a short time, usually while you are going somewhere else

Dictionary examples:

I'll call in on my way home.

Do you mind if we just call in at the supermarket?

call off sth or call sth off (NOT HAPPEN)

B2 to decide that a planned event or activity will not happen because it is not possible, useful or wanted now

Dictionary example:

Tomorrow's match has been called off because of the icy weather.

Learner example:

Take me, for example, I use it whenever there is a problem and I need some advice, or when I have to call off a meeting for any reason. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

call off sth or call sth off (STOP)

C1 to decide to stop an activity

Dictionary example:

Police have called off the search.

Learner example:

As a result of this, the strike was immediately called off by the original "real" rubbish-collectors. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

call on sb to do sth

C1 to ask someone in a formal way to do something

Dictionary example:

He called on the rebels to stop fighting.

Learner example:

In this ad you called on all the local residents who have time available and who are keen on your proposed project to clear up our local environment. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Chinese)

call up sth or call sth up ()

C2 to find and show information on a computer screen

Dictionary example:

Can you call up last year's sales figures on Janice's computer?

Learner example:

The internet is also a great source of information and you can find almost anything you could be possibly interested in [there], starting with various kinds of music that you can freely download from the internet, [and] books you can call up on your screen straight from the online library or dictionaries, including the famous Cambridge Dictionary of English. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

be called up

C2 to be ordered to join a military organization or asked to join an official team

Dictionary example:

He was called up soon after the war started.

Learner example:

The very next day her husband was called up to join the army. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Turkish)

call · noun C

/kɔːl/

call (TELEPHONE)

A2 when you use the telephone

Dictionary examples:

Could you give me a call when you have time?

I got a call from Pete last night.

There was a call for you earlier.

I've just got a couple of calls to make.

I'll take the call in my office.

Learner example:

It's really important because I'm waiting for a call from my uncle. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

call (SHOUT)

B1 when someone shouts something

Dictionary examples:

She could hear calls for help from inside the burning building.

I'll be in the next room, so give me a call if you need any help.

Learner example:

I continued on towards Kingsley Road where the call for help had been made. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

a call for sth

C1 a demand for something to happen

Dictionary example:

a call for action/peace

Learner example:

Their demands included an all-out call for vital reforms in education - not, as one might expect, a call for higher salaries. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

call (VISIT)

C1 a short visit

Dictionary example:

I thought I'd pay Gary a call.

Learner example:

During our stay in Dublin we [took] a half-day trip by bus throughout the city, which was an unforgettable experience, and paid a call to the National Museum as well. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

sb's call

B1 when someone can decide something

Dictionary example:

I don't mind what we do - it's your call.

Learner example:

This is my opinon, but it is your call, talk to your parents. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)