diff --git a/man2/ioctl.2 b/man2/ioctl.2
index 6c9854d8a..fc96f3bce 100644
--- a/man2/ioctl.2
+++ b/man2/ioctl.2
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ ioctl \- control device
 .SH DESCRIPTION
 The
 .BR ioctl ()
-function manipulates the underlying device parameters of special files.
+system call manipulates the underlying device parameters of special files.
 In particular, many operating characteristics of character special files
 (e.g., terminals) may be controlled with
 .BR ioctl ()
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ for a list of many of the known
 calls.
 The
 .BR ioctl ()
-function call appeared in Version 7 AT&T UNIX.
+system call appeared in Version 7 AT&T UNIX.
 .SH NOTES
 In order to use this call, one needs an open file descriptor.
 Often the