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

As he stood there stewing in his agony, fully expecting jeers and catcalls from the surrounding pavilion crowd, the strangest thing happened.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because unlike her experience with men, a bear has never harassed her, catcalled her, followed her, thrown a bottle at her or otherwise made her feel unsafe.

From Seattle Times

At the Jakarta gig, Ms. Firda, 23, who goes by Marsya, told the crowd that the band was “a little sad and angry to hear that someone here was a victim of catcalling.”

From New York Times

Female police officers are posing as runners as part of a crackdown on strangers catcalling women out exercising in Bradford.

From BBC

Instead, Trump’s supporters emit constant catcalls, boos and their own favorite profanities, in approving response to his nonstop caterwauling.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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