Definition

Noun: A telephone call for which a charge is made, specifically one to a destination outside a defined local calling area, incurring a higher rate than a local call.

Usage

This term is used to specify a type of telephone call that is subject to a charge beyond the standard local rate. It is often contrasted with a "local call" or a "toll-free call." - I need to make a toll call to our office in another state. - Before cell phones, we had to be mindful of the cost of toll calls.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term was more prevalent in the era of landline telephony with distinct local and long-distance service areas and billing structures. It is less commonly used today with modern flat-rate or bundled calling plans.
• "To place a toll call": This phrase describes the action of making such a call.
  • He went to the hotel lobby to place a toll call.

Variants and Related Words

• Long-distance call: A very close synonym, though "toll call" explicitly references the charge.
• Toll-free call: An antonym; a call where the called party pays the charges, typically dialed with a prefix like 800, 888, etc.

Synonyms

• Long-distance call
• Charged call

Antonyms

• Local call
• Toll-free call

Related Phrases

• Toll charge: The fee incurred for the call.
  • The toll charge for that call was quite high.
• Within the toll-free area: Referring to a geographic zone where calls are not subject to toll charges.
  • Our new plan includes all numbers within the toll-free area.

Noun

1. a long-distance telephone call at charges above a local rate