call-in

1 of 2

adjective

: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest
a call-in show

call in

2 of 2

verb

called in; calling in; calls in

transitive verb

1
: to order to return or to be returned: such as
a
: to withdraw from an advanced position
call in the outposts
b
: to withdraw from circulation
call in bank notes and issue new ones
2
: to summon to one's aid or for consultation
call in a mediator
3
: to deliver (a message) by telephone
call in an order for pizza

intransitive verb

: to communicate with a person by telephone
Phrases
call in sick
: to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
For 45 years, the channel has successfully delivered unfiltered, gavel-to-gavel coverage of Capitol Hill, including live coverage of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, committee hearings, call-in shows with listeners from all sides, and nonpartisan newsmaker programs. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Aurora experienced its own incident of racist remarks at a meeting last year, resulting in an end to call-in comments at council meetings. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
Verb
The markets had risen on the chatter of a call in another example of markets' forward-looking nature, i.e., buy the rumor and sell the news. Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Schulten said investors can expect more details, like specific brand and market exits, on the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call in July. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for call-in

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of call-in was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-in. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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