Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To formally begin or officially start a meeting, session, or assembly, typically by using a recognized procedure or signal to command attention and establish that official business is commencing.

Usage

• This phrase is used almost exclusively in formal or parliamentary contexts, such as meetings of committees, boards, legislative bodies, or conventions.
• It signals a transition from informal conversation or preparation to the official, structured proceedings.
• The subject is usually the presiding officer (e.g., chairperson, speaker, president).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The president called the meeting to order at precisely 9:00 AM.
  • After the noise subsided, the chairperson called the assembly to order.

Advanced Usage

• "to call [something] to order": The direct object is typically "the meeting," "the session," "the hearing," or "the convention."
  • The judge called the court to order.
• The phrase can imply restoring order and discipline if a meeting has become chaotic or informal discussion has overrun.
  • The debate grew heated, forcing the speaker to call the house to order.

Variants and Related Words

• Gavel (n): A small mallet used by a presiding officer to signal for attention or to call a meeting to order.
  • She used her gavel to call the committee to order.
• Recess (n/v): A temporary break in a meeting. The opposite action of calling to order is often "to recess" or "to adjourn."
• Adjourn (v): To formally end a meeting.

Synonyms

• Convene (v): To come or bring together for a meeting. (Note: "Convene" focuses on assembling, while "call to order" focuses on formally starting the proceedings once assembled.)
• Open (v): To declare something begun. (e.g., )

Related Phrases

• "The meeting is called to order": A standard declaration made by the chair to officially start.
  • The secretary noted the time as the meeting was called to order.
• "Out of order": Not following the proper rules of procedure. This is the state before a meeting is "called to order" or a condition a chairperson corrects.
  • The member was ruled out of order for speaking without permission.

Verb

1. open formally
   • the chairman called the meeting to order by pounding his gavel