call letters

American  

plural noun

1. letters of the alphabet or such letters in combination with numbers for identifying a radio or television station, an amateur radio transmitting device, or the like.

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call letters British  

plural noun

1. the call sign of an American or Canadian radio station, esp that of a commercial broadcasting station

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Etymology

Origin of call letters

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Radio station DJs now are expected to say “Guaranteed Human,” as part of their hourly on-air disclosures, which include announcing the station’s call letters, as required by the Federal Communications Commission.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

The WB in the call letters led people to conclude it was a deliberate “get” for Warner Brothers, but it was the luck of the draw.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2024

KGAY’s call letters aren’t a fluke but a savvy marketing tool.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2024

Stations had their call letters on the cover and a spread inside for rotation charts and advertisers.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2023

He saw its call letters over the entrance of an office building, so he went in.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut