catcall

[ kat-kawl ]
See synonyms for catcall on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a shrill, whistlelike sound or loud raucous shout made to express disapproval at a theater, meeting, etc.

  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.

Origin of catcall

1
First recorded in 1650–60; cat + call

Other words for catcall

Other words from catcall

  • catcaller, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use catcall in a sentence

  • He threatened to have the persons who were using the pea-shooters arrested, and this threat was greeted by hisses and catcalls.

    Frank Merriwell's Races | Burt L. Standish
  • At the catcalls and whoops of applause, Sard again held up her hand.

    Under the Law | Edwina Stanton Babcock
  • Catcalls were frequent from the corners, and the back of the hall became aggressive.

    The Half-Hearted | John Buchan
  • Signorita Obrienelli was almost smothered with bouquets; and the music of catcalls resounded throughout the house.

    Strange Stories | Grant Allen
  • A chorus of jeers and catcalls went up from the gang, which clustered behind its leader like a pack of wolves.

British Dictionary definitions for catcall

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 of catcall

  • catcaller, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012