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Webster 1913 Edition


Catcall

Cat′callˊ

,
Noun.
A sound like the cry of a cat, such as is made in playhouses to express dissatisfaction with a play; also, a small shrill instrument for making such a noise.
Upon the rising of the curtain. I was very much surprised with the great consort of
catcalls
which was exhibited.
Addison.

Webster 1828 Edition


Catcall

CATCALL

,
Noun.
A squeaking instrument, used in play-houses to condemn plays.

Definition 2024


catcall

catcall

See also: cat-call

English

Noun

catcall (plural catcalls)

  1. A shout or whistle expressing dislike, especially from a crowd or audience; a jeer, a boo.
  2. A shout, whistle, or comment of a sexual nature, usually made toward women
  3. (historical) A whistle blown by a theatre-goer to express disapproval.

Translations

Verb

catcall (third-person singular simple present catcalls, present participle catcalling, simple past and past participle catcalled)

  1. To make such an exclamation.
    • 2007 April 1, Ada Calhoun, “Up Front”, in New York Times:
      When Susan Seligson thinks about breasts — and, since she’s a DDD-endowed (touché) middle-aged woman who’s been groped and catcalled her whole life, that’s often, too — she thinks about ... her own DDDs.

Translations