1 A2 neutral
To contact several different people or organisations by phone, typically searching for information, a service, or a product.
"I'll call around a few garages this afternoon to find the best price for the repair."
inseparable
call around
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To make a series of phone calls to different people or places, usually to gather information or find something.
In plain English
Phone lots of different people or places one after another to find out something or get something done.
What does "call around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To call in a circle — reaching out to various people in turn.
Actually means
Phone lots of different people or places one after another to find out something or get something done.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. The equivalent in British English is 'ring round'. Very natural in everyday speech when someone is searching for a service, product, or information.
Words that pair with "call around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
garage plumber hotels clinics suppliers agencies
How to conjugate "call around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
call around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
calls around
he/she/it
Past simple
called around
yesterday
Past participle
called around
have + pp
-ing form
calling around
continuous
Hear "call around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "call around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "call around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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