courtesy call

[ kur-tuh-see kawl ]

noun

1. a visit or telephone call made for the sake of politeness or diplomacy:

   The newly appointed ambassador of Argentina paid a courtesy call on the leader of the opposition today.

   The delivery team was very professional and made a courtesy call in advance of their arrival.

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtesy call¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Sullivan, whose visit is scheduled to end Saturday, paid a courtesy call Friday on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and later held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Thai foreign ministry said.

From Seattle Times

Kerry earlier paid a courtesy call on Premier Li Qiang, the party’s second-ranking official, who told him China and the U.S. should cooperate more closely on the “extremely large challenge” posed by global warming.

From Seattle Times

Kerry later paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Premier Li Qiang, the party’s second-ranking official, who told him China and the U.S. should cooperate more closely on the “extremely large challenge” posed by global warming.

From Seattle Times

In a 40-minute “courtesy call” meeting with Kishida on Monday, the two leaders discussed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the economic relationship between the two countries, according to a readout by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

From Washington Post

Smalls’ family told The State they were never given proper notice that Price would be released from prison early; they said they received a courtesy call on the day of release, and then a recorded voicemail.

From Seattle Times