collect call

noun

1. a long-distance telephone call that is to be paid for by the person or station receiving it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of collect call¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Instead, a recording came on the line, saying, “This is a collect call from an inmate at the Massachusetts State Penitentiary...,” before another person chimed in.

From Literature

Two days after his wife disappeared, Durst made several collect calls from the New Jersey towns of Barnegat and Beach Haven, according to phone records admitted at trial.

From Los Angeles Times

“Halfway Home” combines case studies with memoir, focusing on Miller’s brother, whose collect calls, arbitrary parole officer and efforts to remain free bedevil the author and his middle-class family.

From New York Times

He would pick up to hear a woman’s voice, asking if Mr. Warner would accept a collect call from San Quentin State Prison, in California.

From New York Times

The family has spent over $250,000 on attorneys’ fees and over $80,000 on long-distance international collect calls over the past few decades, but it’s not money they want back.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• local call www.thesaurus.com
• long-distance call www.thesaurus.com
• phone call www.thesaurus.com
• telephone conversation www.thesaurus.com