call centre
Noun: A centralized office or facility specifically designed and staffed to handle a high volume of incoming and/or outgoing telephone calls, typically for purposes such as customer service, technical support, telemarketing, or order taking.
The term "call centre" (also spelled "call center") refers to the physical or virtual location where agents manage telephone communications for an organization. - It is used as a countable noun. - It often describes a business operation's customer-facing communication hub.
- The company outsourced its customer support to a call centre in another country.
- She works the night shift at a telecommunications call centre.
- Modern call centres use sophisticated software to route calls efficiently.
- Virtual call centre: A call centre where agents work remotely from various locations rather than a single physical office.
- Inbound call centre: Primarily handles incoming calls from customers (e.g., for support or inquiries).
- Outbound call centre: Primarily makes outgoing calls (e.g., for sales or surveys).
- Call center: The primary alternative spelling, especially in American English.
- Contact centre: A modern evolution of the term, encompassing not just phone calls but also communication via email, live chat, and social media.
- Customer service center
- Help desk (though this often implies more technical support and may not handle the same large volume of calls)
- Telemarketing office (specifically for sales calls)
(While "call centre" itself is not typically part of idioms, these are common collocations and phrases describing its nature.) - To be put on hold: A common experience when calling a call centre. - I was put on hold for twenty minutes by the call centre. - To be routed to a call centre: To have one's call directed to such a facility. - My complaint was routed to an overseas call centre.
- a center equipped to handle a large volume of telephone calls (especially for taking orders or serving customers)