call number

American  

noun

Library Science.

1. a number, letter, symbol, or combination of these, indicating the specific location of a work in a library, especially the combination of the classification symbol and the designation for the author.

---

call number British  

noun

1. Also called: call mark.  the number given to a book in a library, indicating its shelf location

---

Etymology

Origin of call number

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

call number

DeRosa appears to respond by texting him a conference call number “to discuss rownan convo.”

From Washington Post ● Nov. 29, 2021

The C-17 craft, call number Reach 871 and based in Dover, Delaware, was among the several that carried hundreds of pre-cleared Afghans out of the country, Defense One reported on Monday.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 17, 2021

I live near a college library, and often I’ll look up one title and then just roam the stacks, letting one call number lead me to the next.

From New York Times ● Feb. 4, 2021

A caller dials the conference call number, usually shared through word of mouth or on Facebook groups.

From The Verge ● Nov. 22, 2019

I write them all on the napkin, as well as the call number for the first one.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak