On call Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈkɔɫ
ON-KAWL
ˈɒn/ /kˈɔːl
ON-KAWL
Definition
If someone is "on call," they are available to work or respond to emergencies outside of their normal schedule, usually at any time they are needed.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for medical and technical jobs ('doctor on call'), but applies to any work where urgent response might be needed. Implies readiness, even outside work hours. Not the same as 'on duty' (actively working).
Spanish: de guardiaPortuguese (BR): de plantãoPortuguese (PT): de serviço - de prevençãoChinese (Simplified): 待命Chinese (Traditional): 待命Hindi: कॉल पर - तैनातArabic: تحت الطلب - تحت الاستدعاءBengali: ডিউটিতে প্রস্তুত - ডাকে সাড়া দিতে প্রস্তুতRussian: дежурный - на связиJapanese: 待機中Vietnamese: trựcKorean: 대기 중Turkish: nöbette - çağrıya hazırUrdu: ڈیوٹی پر تیارIndonesian: siaga - siap dipanggil
Example Sentences
The doctor is on call tonight.
basic
My dad is on call this weekend.
basic
Nurses are on call at night in hospitals.
basic
I'm on call this week, so I might have to leave suddenly if there's an emergency.
natural
Even when she's home, she's still on call in case the company needs her.
natural
He hates being on call because his phone might ring at any hour.
natural