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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of roll call

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The effect is as interesting as reading a grade-school roll call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

A roll call of local jazz heroes raised here: There are Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy in Watts, coming of age together.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

In September this year at the United Nations in New York, President Biden led a global roll call of leaders urging restraint between Israel and Hezbollah.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

One night during evening roll call, a platoon somewhere far down the Lagerstrasse began a rhythmic stamping.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom