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Definition of callback

callback

/ˈkɔːl.bæk/
call · back

Plural:callbacks
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callback Lexical Profile

callback Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A return telephone call made in response to an earlier call or message.

Example

"The customer service representative promised a callback within twenty-four hours to resolve the billing issue."


2

An invitation for an actor, musician, or job applicant to return for a second or subsequent audition or interview.

Example

"After a strong initial audition, the young actress was thrilled to receive a callback from the casting director."


3

In comedy and storytelling, a joke or reference that alludes to something mentioned earlier in the performance or series.

Example

"The season finale featured a clever callback to a minor joke from the pilot episode."


4

In computer programming, a function passed as an argument to another function, to be executed after a specific event or task completes.

Example

"The developer registered an asynchronous callback to handle the server response once the data finished loading."


5

A manufacturer's recall of a defective product for repair or replacement, or a summons for an employee to return to work.

Example

"The automotive manufacturer issued an immediate callback after discovering a fault in the braking system."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for callback

Word Nuance & Usage

The closed compound noun 'callback' refers to a return phone call or follow-up audition, whereas the two-word phrasal verb 'call back' is used for the action itself (e.g., 'I will call back later').

• Rhymes for callback

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Callback. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/callback
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