roll call

American  

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 British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of roll call

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

At 6:00 in the evening there was another roll call, then we marched back to our various sleeping barracks.

From Literature

After the roll call Monday, Chait spoke briefly.

From Los Angeles Times

One morning he sidled up next to me after roll call and tucked a hunk of bread into my hand, imploring, “Eat. You’re wasting away.”

From Literature

After conducting a roll call at the evacuation center, facility staff realized that two residents were unaccounted for and alerted the Sheriff’s Department, the report said.

From Los Angeles Times

Eastern on Wednesday, and a roll call could be tight.

From MarketWatch