caller ID

American  

[kaw-ler] / ˈkɔ lər /

noun

1. a telephone service that allows a subscriber to identify a caller before answering by displaying the caller's telephone number on a small screen.

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Etymology

Origin of caller ID

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

caller ID

“It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To check it out, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE,” the agency said.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 10, 2025

Ofcom advises people not to trust the caller ID display on their phone when trying to avoid scams.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2024

The caller ID read “LA Cor,” sending his heart racing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2024

NBC reported that Sullivan's personal cell phone number appeared in the caller ID of those receiving the robocall.

From Salon ● Jan. 22, 2024

I checked the caller ID and saw it was Spoon.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben