video call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very HighNeutral (used across formal, informal, business, and technical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “video call” mean?
A live, two-way audiovisual communication conducted over the internet or a network between two or more participants using cameras and microphones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A live, two-way audiovisual communication conducted over the internet or a network between two or more participants using cameras and microphones.
The act of making such a call; also refers broadly to the technology or service enabling this form of communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both regions use 'video call' as the standard term. 'Videocall' as a single word is less common but occasionally seen.
Connotations
Identical. Conveys functionality over formality.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical in both regions due to ubiquitous remote communication.
Grammar
How to Use “video call” in a Sentence
to video call [someone]to have/do a video call with [someone]to be on a video callto get on a video callVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “video call” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- I've got a video call with the Leeds office at three.
- The video call dropped out during the storm.
American English
- I have a video call with the Portland team at three.
- The video call froze during the storm.
verb
British English
- I'll video call you when I finish work.
- She video called her grandparents every Sunday.
American English
- I'll video call you when I get off work.
- She video called her grandparents every Sunday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard for meetings, interviews, and client consultations. 'Let's move this discussion to a video call.'
Academic
Used for virtual lectures, tutorials, and student consultations.
Everyday
Primary mode for personal communication with friends and family at a distance.
Technical
Refers to the underlying technology (protocols, codecs, bandwidth) enabling the transmission of audiovisual data in real time.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “video call”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “video call”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “video call”
- Using 'video call' to refer to watching a pre-recorded video message.
- Incorrect stress: /vɪˈdeɪoʊ/ instead of /ˈvɪdioʊ/.
- Misspelling as 'videocall' (though increasingly accepted).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun ('We had a video call'), but it is commonly used as a phrasal verb as well ('I'll video call you later').
A 'videoconference' typically implies a more formal, scheduled meeting, often with multiple participants in a business or organisational context. A 'video call' is a broader, more neutral term that can be used for any instance, from a casual chat to a formal meeting.
Yes, you need software or an app that supports real-time audiovisual communication, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, or WhatsApp. Most modern devices have built-in capabilities.
In informal usage, especially in American English, 'Zoom' is often used generically (a proprietary eponym) to mean a video call, similar to 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaner. However, strictly speaking, Zoom is a specific brand of video conferencing software.
A live, two-way audiovisual communication conducted over the internet or a network between two or more participants using cameras and microphones.
Video call is usually neutral (used across formal, informal, business, and technical contexts) in register.
Video call: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdɪəʊ ˌkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdioʊ ˌkɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let's put a face to the name (suggests moving to a video call)”
- “All on camera (describes a group video call situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'video' (seeing) + 'call' (talking). It's a call where you can see the person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VIDEO CALL is a VIRTUAL WINDOW (into another person's space); A VIDEO CALL is a DIGITAL VISIT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a 'video call'?