call

callverb

To call is to contact someone by phone, to give someone or something a name, to say something loudly, or to ask someone to come.

1. phonecontact someone by telephone

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj]

   • I'll call you tomorrow. V + obj
   • She called the office to explain she was sick. V + obj
   • Can you call me back later? V + obj
   • He called from the airport to say he had landed.

   Collocations

   phrase call someone back, call collect

   Synonyms phone

2. namegive someone or something a particular name

   transitive [T] verb + object + noun complement [V + obj + noun]

   • They called the baby Ana. V + obj + noun
   • Everyone calls him Lee. V + obj + noun
   • We call this dish a stew. V + obj + noun

   Collocations

   phrase what do you call this?, call someone something

   Synonyms name

3. shoutsay something loudly to get someone's attention

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + direct speech [V + speech]

   • She called his name across the street. V + obj
   • "Wait for me!" he called. V + speech
   • Someone called for help from inside the building.

   Collocations

   phrase call for help, call someone's name

   Synonyms shout (shout is louder and more forceful; call often just means to speak to get attention)

4. ask to comeask or order someone or something to come, especially for help or to take part in something

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The doctor called the next patient. V + obj
   • They called a meeting for Friday afternoon. V + obj
   • Call an ambulance! V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun call a meeting, call an ambulance, call a doctor

See also call on (visit someone, or ask someone to speak or answer); call off (cancel a planned event)