calls

Calls refers to multiple concepts across language, technology, finance, and everyday life. In general use, a call is an act of addressing or summoning someone, or a vocal utterance intended to attract attention. The term also functions as a verb meaning to name or to cry out for someone.

In telecommunications, a call is a voice connection established between two or more parties over a telephone network or Voice over IP. Signaling locates the recipient, negotiates a media session, and then transmits audio data in real time. Modern calls may include text, video, or other media and support features such as hold, transfer, and conferencing.

In computing, a call refers to invoking a subroutine or function. A call transfers control and arguments to the callee and returns a result. Languages differ in calling conventions and evaluation strategies; the call stack tracks active calls and manages returns.

In finance, a call denotes a call option, a contract giving the holder the right to buy an asset at a specified price within a period. A callable bond is one that the issuer may redeem before maturity. The term also appears in governance to call a meeting or to call for a vote.

In games and sports, calling refers to declaring actions or rulings, such as a poker call to match a bet or an official signaling a rule decision. The word thus encompasses a range of actions involving communication, invocation, and authorization across contexts.