call signs
Broadcast station letters
A call sign is a unique identifier assigned to a radio or television broadcasting station, or to an individual operator in amateur radio, aviation, or military communications.
In broadcasting, call signs typically follow regional conventions—American stations often begin with W or K, while Canadian stations use C.
Military and aviation call signs identify aircraft, ships, or units, and may be alphanumeric codes or informal nicknames: The pilot's call sign was Maverick.
The term extends metaphorically to any distinctive identifier someone is known by.
Harsh grating bird cry
- tail numberAircraft identification code
- flight numberAircraft journey identifier
- transponderSignal-activated transmitter
- registrationFormal recording of participation
FAA · air traffic control · cockpit · pilot · tower · approach · departure · clearance
Strategically planned
- codenameSecret identifying label
- encryptionConverting data into code
- NATO alphabetSpelling code for radio
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
squadron · battalion · platoon · regiment · brigade · challenge · countersign · operational security
Cured pig thigh
- phonetic alphabetLetter-to-word correspondence system
- prefixRoot-modifying front element
- suffixWord-ending addition
- licenseFormal grant of permission
FCC · contest · net · propagation · logbook · handle · operator · special event
squawk
Harsh grating bird cry
- tail numberAircraft identification code
- flight numberAircraft journey identifier
- transponderSignal-activated transmitter
registration · FAA · air traffic control · cockpit · pilot · tower · approach · departure · clearance · airspace
tactical
Strategically planned
- codenameSecret identifying label
- encryptionConverting data into code
- NATO alphabetSpelling code for radio
authentication · squadron · battalion · platoon · regiment · brigade · challenge · countersign · operational security · codeword
ham
Cured pig thigh
- phonetic alphabetLetter-to-word correspondence system
- prefixRoot-modifying front element
- suffixWord-ending addition
license · FCC · contest · net · propagation · logbook · handle · operator · special event · repeater
station ID
Broadcaster's mandated self-announcement
bumper · FCC · slogan · branding · channel number · frequency · DJ name · announcer · logo · imaging
- broadcastingbroadcasting, TV, radio, television, news
- namingpersonal names, nomenclature, nicknames, naming conventions, aliases
- radioFM radio, crystal set, AM radio, radio station, radio broadcast
- military communicationsradio, walkie-talkie, radio operators, signal flags, morse code
- military signalsflag signals, salute, hand salute, signalman, signaler
- military slangFUBAR, hoorah, devil dog, SNAFU, GI
call signsfrequencies
Occurrence rates or wavelengths
wavelengths · bandwidth · signal strength · radio spectrum · carrier waves