phone callˈphone call noun [countable] 
I need to make a quick phone call. I got a phone call from someone called Mike. obscene phone calls
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- Alain took her phone call with remarkable calm, his voice on the phone almost making her decide not to go.
- It started with the phone call asking to meet him.
- My phone call was a perfect opportunity for you to go public with the information.
Longman Language Activatora telephone call
· We keep getting calls from newspaper reporters.· One phone call to London got her a job interview.· After several telephone calls, detectives traced two witnesses to the accident.call/phone call/telephone call for · Mr Deckard, there's a call for you. Will you take it in your office?long-distance call (=to or from someone a long way away) · He made several long-distance calls to Hong Kong.local call (=to someone near you) · Local calls are free.
to speak to someone by telephone · To find out more, call 555-1972.· Can you call Becky before six?· She called about twenty minutes ago.call for · I'll call for a taxi now.call roundBritish /around American (=call several people or organizations, especially to get information) · I called round to see if anyone knew where Tom was.· His secretary started calling around to find out where the commission was meeting.
also ring British · I'll phone you if there's any news.· Shall I ring Sarah to see if she wants to come out with us?· Did anyone ring while I was out?· Jill phoned to tell you she'll see you tonight.phone for · Let's phone for a pizza tonight.phone/ring round British (=telephone several people or organizations, especially to get information) · You'd better ring round some travel agents to get some prices.
to speak to someone by telephone . Telephone is more formal than phone or call , and is used especially in writing: · About five o'clock, a woman telephoned Bernstein.· For details of your nearest tourist office telephone 4127.· Mr Dodd telephoned this morning.telephone for: · Write or telephone for more information.
British /call up American to speak to someone by telephone, especially in order to have a friendly conversation with them or to ask for information: · Your uncle rang up about an hour ago.· "I don't know what time the last train is." "Well, phone up and find out."ring/call/phone up somebody: · Why don't you call up Jackie and apologize?· She uses the office phone to phone up her friends in Sweden.ring/call/phone somebody up: · John called him up to make sure of the date of the graduation ceremony.· I might phone him up at home.
also give somebody a ring British spoken to speak to someone by telephone - use this especially when you are telling someone that you will telephone them, or when you are asking them to telephone: · Just give me a call if you need anything.· Why don't I give you a ring later and find out when you'll be free?
to use the telephone to speak to someone: · Diana made a quick call to Munich before the meeting.· There's a pay phone in the lobby if you need to make a telephone call.· Limit the number of personal phone calls you make at work.
to be speaking to someone on the telephone: · Rosie's still on the phone.· There's someone on the phone for you.be on the phone to: · He was on the phone to a friend when he noticed the smoke.be on the phone with: · How long are workers on the phone with customers?talk/speak on the phone: · Marie and I talk on the phone at least once a week.have somebody on the phone (=to have someone calling you): · Mr Rogers, I have Anita Payne on the phone for you.
informal also give somebody a bell British informal to telephone someone: · I'll give Larry a buzz. Maybe he'll want to go too.· Can you give Mary a bell? She rang earlier.· Give me a ring if you decide you can come.
to succeed in reaching someone by telephone: · I tried calling my parents, but I couldn't get through.get through to: · Did you get through to Mr McWhirter?
to telephone someone again also ring back British to telephone someone again, for example because they were not available when you telephoned them before: · "Would you like to leave a message?" "No, that's okay. I'll call back later."· I'm afraid Mr Jones is in a meeting. Could you ring back in about an hour?call somebody back: · "Does Jake want me to call him back?" "No, he said to meet him at eight o'clock."
to telephone someone because they telephoned you before when you were not available - use this especially in business contexts: · Gage did not return phone calls from reporters to his office Monday.· Dr Shapiro is busy right now, but I'll ask him to return your call when he's free.
to telephone a number again because someone was already speaking on that line when you telephoned before: · I've already phoned him twice, but I suppose I'd better try again.try somebody/a number again: · It's engaged. I'll try her again later.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I need to make a quick phone call. I got a phone call from someone called Mike.
when you speak to someone on the telephone SYN call, telephone call: I need to make a quick phone call. I got a phone call from someone called Mike. I need to make a quick phone call. I got a phone call from someone called Mike. obscene phone calls