Catcall Definition & Meaning

Home » What Does Cat Calling Mean » Catcall Definition & Meaning

Maybe your like

  • American
  • British
  • Other Word Forms
  • Etymology
  • Examples
  • Related Words
    • Synonyms catcall American [kat-kawl] / ˈkætˌkɔl /

    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 British / ˈkætˌkɔːl /

    noun

    1. a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc

    "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

    verb

    1. to utter such a call (at); deride with catcalls

    "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

    Other Word Forms

    • catcaller noun

    Etymology

    Origin of catcall

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

    Example Sentences

    Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

    “Every time I would skate, people would catcall us or yell at us to do a kickflip,” she says.

    From Los Angeles Times

    Police say harassment is anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or is inappropriate, such as staring, constant questioning or catcalling.

    From BBC

    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

    Related Words

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

    Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

    Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

    Tag » What Does Cat Calling Mean