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.
Two statewide mental health advocates are calling on Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate anyway. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Charles reportedly has the final call on who attends the royal family’s holiday festivities. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2026 Kon called on the government to disarm civilians, questioning how elections could proceed amid such insecurity. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Leo called on those involved in the conflict to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian grain shipments through the Black Sea, emphasizing the consequences for vulnerable populations around the world. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 11 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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