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
There's lip-syncing and dancing as the audience interacts with the film through call-and-response lines and the use of props.
—
Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
The firefighter showed off his singing skills in a call-and-response style as the ladies finished the sentence to the song’s lyrics.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
Indeed, there is an element of call-and-response to the We Do Not Care Club, which Sanders herself has, consciously or not, encouraged.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Though initially escaping wider chart success in 1978, a live recording in 1988 saw the track hit No. 11 in Australia – largely thanks to the profane call-and-response chorus added in by local fans.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for call-and-response
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
The firefighter showed off his singing skills in a call-and-response style as the ladies finished the sentence to the song’s lyrics.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
Indeed, there is an element of call-and-response to the We Do Not Care Club, which Sanders herself has, consciously or not, encouraged.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025
Though initially escaping wider chart success in 1978, a live recording in 1988 saw the track hit No. 11 in Australia – largely thanks to the profane call-and-response chorus added in by local fans.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025
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 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share