catcall

[ kat-kawl ]

noun

1. a shrill, whistlelike sound or loud raucous shout made to express disapproval at a theater, meeting, etc.

   Synonyms: jeer, hiss, boo

2. an instrument for producing such a sound.

verb (used without object)

1. to sound catcalls.

verb (used with object)

1. to express disapproval of by catcalls.

catcall

/ ˈkætˌkɔːl /

noun

1. a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc

verb

1. to utter such a call (at); deride with catcalls

Derived Forms

• ˈcatˌcaller, noun

Other Words From

• catcaller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catcall¹

First recorded in 1650–60; cat ( def ) + call

Example Sentences

“Anyone who does something like that, catcall or touch other people’s bodies without consent, those are the worst forms of crime,” she said.

From New York Times

When Robbie and Gosling, decked in shiny matching rollerblade costumes, find themselves in the real world, they skate over to the construction workers where Barbie experiences the all too relatable catcall.

From Salon

As a man, I did not take this as an invitation to catcall, which I don't do anyway — but did see it as a way for people who aren't women, to understand that there are no rules to the ways in which women respond, as every woman gets to decide what she will and will not accept.

From Salon

They don't understand how it's kind of like a catcall on the street.

From Fox News

Those strange encounters with punters when I was in the bar; the men on the street that would catcall, or sometimes chase me to my door to try and get inside on my walk home from work; those empty doorways with signs that said “models” where you could just catch a glimpse of a woman’s feet in high heels at the top of the stairs; those nights out where someone looked at you and you just knew, “I am no longer safe here.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boo
• derision
• hiss
• hoot
• jeer
• whistle