roll call

noun

1. the calling of a list of names, as of soldiers or students, for checking attendance.
2. a military signal for this, as one given by a drum.
3. a voting process, especially in the U.S. Congress, in which legislators are called on by name and allowed either to cast their vote or to abstain.

roll call

noun

1. the reading aloud of an official list of names, those present responding when their names are read out
2. the time or signal for such a reading

Word History and Origins

Origin of roll call¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Above ground, roll call is being taken for the children and their names are written on an old Jack in the Box bag.

From Vox

The report indicated that lessons should be shared with officers in roll calls, bulletins and in-service training.

From Washington Post

The list reads like a roll call of popular American dishes, from roast chicken to grilled steak.

From Washington Post

Additionally, the sheriff’s office has been conducting remote roll calls every day instead of requiring deputies to come in, he said.

From Washington Post

There was not a formal roll call, but only eight members of the 74-person Wyoming GOP central committee opposed the censure of Cheney.

From FiveThirtyEight

The House roll call shows that Republicans gave the Syria funding higher support than Democrats did.

From The Daily Beast

Troiano has already gotten national media attention, including profiles in The Washington Post, National Journal and, Roll Call.

From The Daily Beast

The next morning, Bergdahl failed to show for the morning roll call.

From The Daily Beast

In its article, Roll Call reported that “this may be the first reported unsecured bank loan to a super PAC.”

From The Daily Beast

Prior to joining Alexander's office, his influence as a staffer had led him to be named one of Roll Call's "Fabulous 50."

From The Daily Beast

At the end of the roll call, the doors of the GO rockets closed.

From Project Gutenberg

The meetings open with a roll call, followed by from two to four papers, sometimes varied with readings, music and discussions.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Bryan never came for number again, but he came, one day, because of Roll Call.

From Project Gutenberg

Or who, when Roll Call for deportment came, could ever dare call herself perfect?

From Project Gutenberg

Roll-call immediately follows, which brings every man to his place in the ranks, to answer to his name.

From Project Gutenberg