Synonyms

on call

Idioms

Available if summoned, as in Medical residents are required to be on call at least three nights a week. This expression originated as at call in the late 1500s. Also see at someone's beck and call.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

on call

She served in a pool of doctors who were regularly on call for members of the royal family nearby.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

With a machine on call, you can stay inside the dream longer, spending more time on the work only you can do.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

California requires that a veterinarian to be present or nearby and on call.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

Having a good contractor on call is now a must-have for companies building power plants, and they are willing to pay up for them.

From Barron's ● May 4, 2026

—Sir, Dr. Carrothers was the doctor on call tonight, but as I told you, he had a sudden emergency.

From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023