roll call

American  

noun

roll calls plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• roll calls
  plural

Etymology

Origin of roll call

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The Maine Republican has never missed a roll call in her Senate career.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Members will need to confirm their choice in a roll call - the winner is the candidate who gets more than any other choice combined.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

And after this week, there is a growing possibility it could happen in full daylight with a roll call vote in the Senate.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025

She appeared in Vught the third morning during the predawn roll call and at once something like order seized our rebellious and untidy ranks.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom