call back

Idioms  

1. Ask someone to return; also, ask that something be returned, as in He passed the first audition and was waiting to be called back , or These screws are defective; the manufacturer has called them back . [Late 1500s]

2. call someone back . Telephone someone in return, as in May I call you back next week? [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

The next day, I had to fly to L.A. for a call back, and I was just sitting alone in a hotel room — I felt so empty.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

Callers may have also experienced a busy message, where they receive a message to call back when the lines aren’t full.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

He told me to call back in a week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Alongside requesting non-urgent consultations, patients are able to ask questions and describe symptoms and request a call back.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

There was a terrible moment of silence before we heard voices call back to us, and Enoch’s boat appeared out of the mist, all four passengers aboard, waving their arms at us.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs