callbacks

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A second audition or interview that someone is invited to after doing well the first time.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a callback' or 'callbacks'.

   Patterns

   • get a callback
   • be invited for a callback
   • a callback for a role

   She got a callback for the lead role in the school play.

   After the first interview, the company invited him for a callback.

   Only three actors received callbacks.

2. 2nouncountable

   A return phone call, especially one made to answer a message or request.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a callback' or 'callbacks'.

   Patterns

   • give someone a callback
   • expect a callback
   • receive a callback

   I left a message and I'm still waiting for a callback.

   The doctor's office promised a callback within an hour.

   He missed the call, so he made a callback later.

3. 3nouncountablecomputing

   A function or routine that is executed automatically after a certain event or condition in computing.

   Grammar: Countable; common in programming contexts.

   Patterns

   • a callback function
   • register a callback
   • invoke a callback

   The code uses a callback to handle the response.

   You need to pass a callback function as an argument.

   The callback runs after the data is loaded.

Word forms

Common combinations

get a callback

I applied for the job and got a callback the next day.

receive a callback

She received a callback from the casting director.

callback function

The callback function is executed when the button is clicked.

callback number

Please leave a callback number where we can reach you.

Synonyms and how they differ

follow-up

A follow-up is a more general second contact; a callback is specifically a return call or a second audition.

return call

Return call is a plain phrase for a phone call back; callback is more common in business and auditions.

Word family

call back phrasal verb

To telephone someone again or in return.

Commonly confused: callbacks or call back?

Practice

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