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

Other Word Forms

• catcaller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catcall¹

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

Example Sentences

As he walked past crowds of people, he got catcalls.

From Los Angeles Times

Molly Slater-Davison set up women-only run club These Girls Run in 2021, driven by her own struggle to find a welcoming local club and some negative running experiences including catcalling and being followed.

From BBC

“They were catcalling and whistling, and the crew all started doing versions of the dance. It sparked a lot of joy.”

From Los Angeles Times

As he stood there stewing in his agony, fully expecting jeers and catcalls from the surrounding pavilion crowd, the strangest thing happened.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because unlike her experience with men, a bear has never harassed her, catcalled her, followed her, thrown a bottle at her or otherwise made her feel unsafe.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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