call sign

See also: callsign and call-sign

English

Alternative forms

Pronunciation

  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

Examples (military call signs)
  • CHARLIE PAPA
  • D6P

call sign (plural call signs)

  1. (broadcasting) A combination of letters and numbers used to identify a radio or television station.
    Synonym: call letters
  2. (military) Any combination of characters or pronounceable words, which identifies a communication facility, a command, an authority, an activity, or a unit; used primarily for establishing and maintaining communications.
    Synonym: CS
    Coordinate terms: name, handle, alias
    • 1986, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., Top Gun (motion picture):
      Charlie: I'm Charlotte Blackwood.
      Maverick: I'm Maverick.
      Charlie: Did your mother not like you?
      Maverick: No, it's my call sign.
    • 2023 June 17, Dan Sabbagh, “‘It’s 21st-century warfare’: on Ukraine’s counteroffensive frontline”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian[1], London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC:
      Four drone operators, led by Shved, whose call sign means “the Swede” on account of his blond hair, []
      (Can we archive this URL?)

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