call on

verb

called on; calling on; calls on
Synonyms of call onnext

transitive verb

1
: to call upon
Is there anyone you can call on in an emergency?
2
: to elicit a response from (someone, such as a student)
the teacher called on her first
3
US, informal : to directly criticize (someone) for (something, such as bad behavior)
She's incredibly rude, but no one ever calls her on it.

Examples of call on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Philly shoegaze band calls on friends from across genres for a wide-spanning compilation that’s equal parts label sampler, B-sides showcase, and assembly of rising stars. — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026 Over in Grass Valley, Cornish Christmas (November 27; December 4, 11, and 18) calls on Main Street to close to traffic as Victorian lamplight takes over. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026 OutKick also attended all five of Saturday’s pregame and postgame press conferences but was not called on. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 France, Belgium and Poland, whose diplomats were attacked, also called on Israel to take action. — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call on

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call on was in the 13th century

Rhymes for call on

See All Rhymes for call on

Browse Nearby Words

call of nature
call on
call one's bluff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20on. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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