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.

---

wolf whistle British  

noun

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

---

verb

1. to make such a whistle (at someone)

Etymology

Origin of wolf whistle

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wolf whistle

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

Later, when Princess Michael of Kent walked by, Diana reportedly greeted her with a wolf whistle.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Atlanta, does even an "ook" give out with a wolf whistle, but?

From Time Magazine Archive

Rehearsing Benjamin Britten's Spring Symphony, Busch urged the boys to make their whistling less "polite"; he promptly got a resounding wolf whistle, and smiled his appreciation.

From Time Magazine Archive