- Home
- Idioms
- call for
call for
call for someone or something
1. to need, require, or demand something or the services of someone. The recipe calls for two cups of flour. This job calls for someone with experience.
2. to arrive to collect or pick up a person or a thing. (Used especially when you are to pick someone up and are acting as an escort.) I will call for you about eight this evening. The messenger will call for your reply in the morning.
3. to shout for or request someone or something. I called for Ted, but he didn't hear me. I stood on the porch and called for the dog.
call for something
1. to demand something Officials called for an investigation.
2. to require something The recipe calls for 12 pounds of tomatoes, onions, sausage, and some herbs. I didn't know if that kind of comment was what was called for.
3. to calculate in advance The weather forecast for Friday calls for wind and rain. Economic forecasts called for a 4.4% increase in the growth rate.
call for
1. Go to get someone or something, as in John said he'd call for Mary at eight, or Someone's at the door, calling for the package. [First half of 1600s]
2. Summon someone or something. For example, The audience called for the playwright, or The judge called for the verdict. [First half of 1500s]
3. Require, demand, as in
This job calls for a lot of patience. [First half of 1700s] Also see
no call for;
uncalled for.
call for
v.1. To summon or request someone or something: As I neared home, I could hear my mother calling for me.
2. To require or demand something: The recent surge in crime calls for a strong community response.
3. To be an appropriate occasion for something: This happy news calls for champagne.
4. To come to pick someone up: The driver will call for you at 7:00.
5. To say that something is likely to occur: The weather forecast calls for clouds and rain.