close call

noun

: a narrow escape

Examples of close call in a Sentence

We nearly didn't get out of the burning building. It was a pretty close call, let me tell you! the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive
Recent Examples on the Web That all but sealed the Dodgers’ first defeat since last Saturday, a setback in which — well before their close call in the eighth inning — almost nothing seemed to break their way. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2024 Earlier this month, a plane engine covering fell off in Denver during takeoff, and a recent close call at John F. Kennedy nearly involved multiple planes. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2024 The cases of these boys bringing firearms to school are just two out of dozens of close calls in Arizona in recent years. The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024 Self-driving Cruise vehicles are accused of nearly hitting kids in two separate close calls in California, one day apart. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024 There was a close call when a truck stopped in front of her — and Ms. Amini did not immediately react. Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 There’s a villain, love at first sight, a plot to frame someone for the murder, close calls, and improbable escapes. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 25 Mar. 2024 Over the last 30 years, five people have died in Colorado roof avalanches, though the CAIC said there were many more injuries and close calls. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2024 Boeing's 737 Max line has been at the center of multiple tragedies, scandals and close calls since being put into service. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'close call.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close call was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near close call

Cite this Entry

“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20call. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

close call

noun
: a narrow escape
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!