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

Derived Forms

• ˈcatˌcaller, noun

Other Words From

• catcaller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catcall¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Blade

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.

From Outside Online

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boo
• derision
• hiss
• hoot
• jeer
• whistle