Definition of the word call at

The phrase "call at" has its origins in the nautical context, where it was first used to describe the scheduled arrival of a ship at a particular port. In the late 1700s, ship masters would create a list of ports they planned to visit during their voyage. They would then publish this list, known as a "voyage list," and distribute it to merchants and other parties with whom they planned to do business. The phrase "call at" was used to indicate that the ship would be arriving at a specific port and would be available to carry cargo or conduct other business activities. This usage helped merchants plan their own logistics and ensured that goods and services could be exchanged efficiently. Over time, the use of "call at" expanded beyond the nautical context. Today, it is commonly used in various business and administrative spheres to indicate the scheduled arrival or admission of a person, group, or organization at a specific location. For example, "my flight calls at Heathrow at 2 PM" or "the delivery truck calls at our warehouse every Thursday at 9 AM."