Phrase guide

call collect

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make a telephone call in which the cost of the call is paid by the person receiving the call; to place a collect call.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, intransitive

Examples

  • In the days of payphones, if you had no coins, you could call collect and hope that the callee would accept the charges.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To call (someone) in this way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, transitive

Examples

  • Call me what you want — just don’t call me collect.
  • Please call me to let me know you’re safe — you’re welcome to call me collect.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: soittaa vastapuhelu — to make a phone call paid by the person receiving the call
  • French: appeler en PCV — to make a phone call paid by the person receiving the call
  • Polish: dzwonić na koszt rozmówcy — to make a phone call paid by the person receiving the call