v.tr.1. To say in a loud voice; announce: called my name from across the street; calling out numbers.
2. To demand or ask for the presence of: called the children to dinner; call the police.
3. To demand or ask for a meeting of; convene or convoke: call the legislature into session.
4. To order or request to undertake a particular activity or work; summon: She was called for jury duty. He was called to the priesthood.
5. To give the command for; order: call a work stoppage.
6. a. To communicate or try to communicate with by telephone: called me at nine.
b. To dial (a telephone number): call 911 for help.
7. To lure (prey) by imitating the characteristic cry of an animal: call ducks.
8. To cause to come to the mind or to attention: a story that calls to mind an incident in my youth.
9. To name: What will you call the baby?
10. To consider or regard as being of a particular type or kind; characterize: Let's call the game a draw. I'd hardly call him a good manager.
11. To designate; label: Nobody calls me a liar.
12. a. To demand payment of: call a loan.
b. To require the presentation of (a bond) for redemption before maturity.
c. To force the sale of (a stock or commodity) by exercising a call option.
13. Sports a. To stop or postpone (a game) because of bad weather, darkness, or other adverse conditions.
b. To declare in the capacity of an umpire or referee: call a runner out; call a penalty for holding.
c. To indicate a decision in regard to: calling balls and strikes; called a close play at home plate.
d. To give the orders or signals for: a quarterback who called a poor play.
14. Games a. To describe the intended outcome of (one's billiard shot) before playing.
b. In poker, to place a bet equal to (the preceding bet or bettor).
15. To indicate or characterize accurately in advance; predict:
It is often difficult to call the outcome of an election. See Synonyms at
predict.
16. To challenge the truthfulness or genuineness of: called the debater on a question of fact.
17. To shout directions in rhythm for (a square dance).