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

Roll call at 6:30 a.m., then clean the animals’ enclosures and carry out other tasks.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

Roll call: there’s the mute leader, Black Bolt, whose whisper can level cities; his vengeful brother Maximus; his magic-haired wife Medusa; and of course, the royal teleporting dog Lockjaw.

From The Guardian • May 19, 2017

"Roll call votes in relation to the Brennan nomination are possible this afternoon," said a statement issued by the office of Senator Richard Durbin, the Senate's second-ranking Democrat.

From Reuters • Mar. 6, 2013

Camp Carroll: Day 7 One practice | Full pads | Attendance: 1,810 Roll call Sorry for the delay.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2010

Roll call followed, with the moment's full pause after names that were not answered to.

From The Long Roll by Johnston, Mary