Catcall Definition & Meaning

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.

Within seconds the room explodes with hoots and catcalls.

From Literature

“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

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.