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View synonyms for catcall

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

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Derived Forms

  • ˈcatˌcaller, noun

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Other Words From

  • catcaller noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of catcall1

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

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Example Sentences

The drug dealing and loitering continued along with catcalls to female passersby.

I braced myself for scornful looks, maybe even shrieks and catcalls, possibly even a fight—but no one noticed, except for a jerk in a Subaru who shot me a disapproving smirk.

Some folks say Emmett whistled at Carolyn as a manner of catcall, expressing his admiration.

The soldier, addressed put a finger to the sound side of his mouth and uttered a catcall.

The essayist, however, is disposed to hold that the catcall is originally a piece of English music.

The conveyance of a catcall to the theatre evidences a predisposition to uproarious censure.

He found that antiquaries were much divided in opinion as to the origin of the catcall.

She smiled as she heard the shrill catcall of a lad in Forsyth Street.

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