Definition

1. Noun:
   • The recall of an employee after a layoff: An instance of an employer asking a worker to return to their job after a period of being dismissed or laid off.
   • A return call: An act of telephoning someone in return for a call received from them.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Recall of an employee):

  • The factory announced a call-back for 50 workers due to increased orders.
  • After six months of unemployment, she was relieved to receive a call-back from her old company.

• Noun (Return call):

  • I left a message; I'm just waiting for his call-back.
  • Please ensure you are available for a technician's call-back between 2 and 4 p.m.

Advanced Usage

• In a technical or support context: A "call-back" can refer to a scheduled time for a service representative to return a customer's call, often used to manage wait times.
  • The help desk system offers a call-back option instead of putting you on hold.

Variants and Related Words

• Callback (noun, often written as one word): This is a common alternative spelling for "call-back," especially in computing and entertainment contexts (e.g., a function in programming or a request for an actor to return for a further audition).
  • The software uses a callback to handle the event.
  • She got a callback after her first audition.

Synonyms

• Recall: The act of calling someone back, especially to work.
• Return call: A telephone call made to someone who has called you.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Call back (verb phrase): To telephone someone again or to return a telephone call.
  • He didn't answer, so I'll call back later.
  • The doctor promised to call back with the test results.

Noun

1. the recall of an employee after a layoff
2. a return call