wolf whistle

American  

noun

1. a wolf call made by whistling, often characterized by two sliding sounds, a peal up to a higher note and then one up to a lower note and down.

2. a similar whistle used by a man to express physical attraction to a woman.

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wolf whistle British  

noun

1. a whistle made by a man to express admiration of a woman's appearance

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verb

1. to make such a whistle (at someone)

Etymology

Origin of wolf whistle

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Donham may be "more than a wolf whistle" in her own eyes, and in the eyes of her family and friends.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2022

Q furnishes him with a keyring that fires stun gas, opens 90% of the world's locks, and has an explosive charge detonated by a wolf whistle.

From The Guardian • Oct. 5, 2012

So far he has learned only one phrase of dolphin language: the "mayday" distress call, a sharp, up-and-down squeal that sounds like a wolf whistle.

From Time Magazine Archive

By relying more heavily on wire-service coverage of top stories, e.g., last month's "wolf whistle" murder trial in Mississippi, the Trib has saved money, expanded features and local news coverage.

From Time Magazine Archive

Staid, stout and respectable, they ignored the hotspots, loosed not a wolf whistle.

From Time Magazine Archive