Phrase guide

call up

verb · 9 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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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To retrieve from personal or computer memory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To summon (someone) to report for military service.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To select e.g. to a sports squad.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Dean Ashton was called up to the England squad for the first time.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To call on the telephone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: ring up

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

an order to report for military duty

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: summons

6

verb

Meaning 6

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I can't remember saying any such thing
  • I can't think what her last name was
  • can you remember her phone number?
  • Do you remember that he once loved you?
  • call up memories

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: remember, retrieve, recall, call back, recollect, think

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: know, recognize, recognise, review, brush up, refresh

7

verb

Meaning 7

get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I tried to call you all night
  • Take two aspirin and call me in the morning

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: call, telephone, phone, ring

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: telecommunicate

Narrower terms: cell phone, call in

8

verb

Meaning 8

bring forward for consideration

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The case was called up in court

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bring forward

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: raise

9

verb

Meaning 9

call to arms; of military personnel

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: mobilize, mobilise, rally

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: call, send for

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

22 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: palauttaa muistiin — to retrieve from memory
  • Finnish: hakea muistista — to retrieve from memory
  • German: abrufen — to retrieve from memory
  • Italian: rievocare — to retrieve from memory
  • Italian: prendere — to retrieve from memory
  • German: einberufen — to summon for military service
  • Finnish: kutsua — to select
  • Finnish: valita — to select
  • French: sélectionner — to select
  • German: aufstellen — to select
  • German: auswählen — to select
  • German: einberufen — to select
  • Italian: selezionare — to select
  • Dutch: opbellen — to call on telephone
  • Dutch: bellen — to call on telephone
  • Finnish: soittaa — to call on telephone
  • French: appeler — to call on telephone
  • German: anrufen — to call on telephone
  • German: anklingeln — to call on telephone
  • German: anläuten — to call on telephone
  • German: telefonien — to call on telephone
  • Italian: chiamare — to call on telephone