Definition

Noun: 1. An instance of using the telephone to speak to someone: A telephone call refers to the act or process of connecting with another person via telephone equipment to have a conversation. 2. The connection or conversation itself: It can also refer to the specific connection established or the conversation that takes place during this connection.

Usage

• The term is used to describe the complete action of dialing, connecting, and speaking on the telephone.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• To place a telephone call: To make a call, especially a formal or long-distance one.
  • He placed a telephone call to the head office in New York.
• To take a telephone call: To answer an incoming call.
  • I'm busy; can you take that telephone call for me?
• To get/return a telephone call: To receive or call back after a missed call.
  • I got your telephone call but couldn't answer. I'll return your call later.

Variants and Related Words

• Call (noun): A common, shorter synonym for "telephone call."
  • I'm waiting for a call from the doctor.
• Phone call (noun): An identical, more casual variant.
  • Give me a phone call when you arrive.
• Ring (noun, chiefly British, informal): A telephone call.
  • I'll give you a ring tomorrow.

Synonyms

• Phone call
• Call
• Buzz (informal)

Related Phrases

• Long-distance call: A call to a number outside one's local calling area.
• Local call: A call to a number within one's local calling area.
• Conference call: A telephone call in which several people participate.
• Missed call: A call that rang but was not answered.

Idioms

• A wake-up call: (Figurative) An event that serves as a warning or alert to a problem (originating from a telephone call to wake someone up).
  • The market crash was a wake-up call for investors.
• Call waiting: A telephone service that alerts a user to an incoming call while they are already on a call.

Noun

1. a telephone connection
   • she reported several anonymous calls
   • he placed a phone call to London
   • he heard the phone ringing but didn't want to take the call