call-and-response

American  

[kawl-uhn-ri-spons] / ˈkɔl ən rɪˈspɒns /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a style of singing in which a melody sung by one singer is responded to or echoed by one or more singers.

2. noting or pertaining to rapid, spontaneous verbal and nonverbal interaction between speaker and listener, in which all statements are punctuated by expressions from the listener.

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noun

1. call-and-response singing.

2. call-and-response interaction between speaker and listener.

call-and-response British  

noun

1. a form of interaction between a speaker and one or more listeners, in which every utterance of the speaker elicits a verbal or non-verbal response from the listener or listeners

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Etymology

Origin of call-and-response

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Imagine Blur covering Falco's Rock Me Amadeus, adding a lyric about jam roly polys and a gigantic call-and-response section, and you'll be part of the way to understanding its unique charm.

From BBC

In this moment, “the box,” as Mero casually refers to it, became a true communal stage, a participatory call-and-response pulpit for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

He pioneered the Afrobeat genre alongside drummer Tony Allen, blending West African rhythms, jazz, funk, highlife, extended improvisation, call-and-response vocals and politically charged lyricism.

From BBC

Kevitt then led a call-and-response with the crowd: “Walking, biking, is our right. We will not give up the fight!” they chanted.

From Los Angeles Times

They chanted slogans vowing to “sacrifice ourselves for the South,” while an MC initiated a call-and-response.

From Los Angeles Times