call-and-response
noun
call-and-re·sponse
ˌkȯl-ən(d)-ri-ˈspän(t)s 
: a statement quickly followed by an answering statement
also
: a musical phrase in which the first and often solo part is answered by a second and often ensemble part
Examples of call-and-response in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That changed a bit on a sunny Saturday in San Francisco, the contest assuming a smidgen of campaign heat — chanting crowds, sign-waving supporters, call-and-response from the audience — as the state party held its annual convention in this bluest of cities.
—
Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
That changed a bit on a sunny Saturday in San Francisco, the contest assuming a smidgen of campaign heat — chanting crowds, sign-waving supporters, call-and-response from the audience — as the state party held its annual convention in this bluest of cities.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Students subsequently signed a pledge promising to say no to illicit substances and study two hours per night, and engaged in a call-and-response chant with Jackson.
—Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson’s signature call-and-response was a common presence at local protests in the wake of the 2020 police murder of George Floyd.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for call-and-response
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Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
That changed a bit on a sunny Saturday in San Francisco, the contest assuming a smidgen of campaign heat — chanting crowds, sign-waving supporters, call-and-response from the audience — as the state party held its annual convention in this bluest of cities.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Students subsequently signed a pledge promising to say no to illicit substances and study two hours per night, and engaged in a call-and-response chant with Jackson.
—Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson’s signature call-and-response was a common presence at local protests in the wake of the 2020 police murder of George Floyd.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for call-and-response
Cite this Entry
“Call-and-response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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