Phrase guide

tail call

noun · 1 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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1

noun

Meaning 1

A function call that is itself the last instruction in a function.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, programming, sciences

Examples

  • Tail calls can be implemented without the need for an additional frame on the call stack.

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: häntäkutsu — function call that is itself the last instruction in a function
  • Finnish: loppukutsu — function call that is itself the last instruction in a function
  • Japanese: 末尾呼び出し (matsubiyobidashi) — function call that is itself the last instruction in a function