On-call doctor's device

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 15, 2026

Stuck on the clue On-call doctor's device from the New York Times Mini for March 15, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

On-call doctor's device (5)

Answer

The answer to On-call doctor's device is Pager (5 letters).

Why does Pager fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'On-call doctor's device' points to PAGER, a small electronic device that receives short messages or alerts. A pager is a wireless communication tool that beeps or vibrates to notify the user of an incoming message, typically displaying a phone number to call back. Before cell phones became widespread, pagers were essential for doctors, especially those on call, because they provided reliable notification of emergencies without the bulk or cost of early mobile phones. The device allowed medical professionals to stay reachable while maintaining mobility around hospitals or during off-duty hours.

What does On-call doctor's device mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.

on-call

adjective

•available to be summoned for duty when needed

device

noun

•a piece of equipment or mechanism designed for a particular purpose

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 1-across in the New York Times Mini on March 15, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 15, 2026

Get help on the whole puzzle

What does Pager mean?

noun

•A wireless telecommunications device that receives text or voice messages.

•A computer program running in a text terminal, used to view (but not modify) the contents of a text file moving down the file one line or one screen at a time.

Origin of the word Pager

•origin: English 'page' + agent suffix '-er'

•period: 1950s

The word was coined when early paging devices were developed to 'page' or summon someone, similar to how a page boy would deliver messages in hotels or offices.

How to use Pager in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Pager.

•“The on-call surgeon's pager buzzed at 3 AM, alerting her to an emergency patient in the ER.”

•“The restaurant gave us a pager that would light up and vibrate when our table was ready.”

•“Before cell phones became widespread, many business professionals carried pagers to stay reachable throughout the day.”

What are other crossword clues for Pager?

“Handout at a busy restaurant” (5)

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 15, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 15, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1AOn-call doctor's device (5)6AAmazon virtual assistant (5)7AHost of the 2026 Oscars (5)8AStumped on a puzzle, say (5)9AAves. and blvds. (3)

Down

1DElection-influencing groups, for short (4)2DQuite a few (4)3DThe "Tyrannosaurus" of Tyrannosaurus rex (5)4DRight on (5)5DPuts in order from best to worst, maybe (5)

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Frequently asked questions about On-call doctor's device

What is the answer to On-call doctor's device?: The answer is Pager (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 15, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to On-call doctor's device have?: The answer has 5 letters: Pager.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.