catcall

[ kat-kawl ]
See synonyms for: catcallcatcalledcatcalling 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

Words Nearby catcall

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

How to use catcall in a sentence

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

    A Book of the Play | Dutton Cook
  • He found that antiquaries were much divided in opinion as to the origin of the catcall.

    A Book of the Play | Dutton Cook
  • She smiled as she heard the shrill catcall of a lad in Forsyth Street.

    Different Girls | Various

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