wolf whistle

noun

: a distinctive 2-toned whistle sounded to express approval of another person's appearance
The football players, wearing their jerseys and sequestered in the stands, make the same wolf whistles and obnoxious gestures that college football players everywhere tend to make when confronted by shimmying women in tight clothing.Neal Karlen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The night of the supposed wolf whistle, he was tracked down by Bryant’s husband and his half-brother and told to get out of bed and get dressed. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 3 Feb. 2017 Described as a wolf whistle, that single sound became a central accusation against Till. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 3 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wolf whistle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wolf whistle was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near wolf whistle

Cite this Entry

“Wolf whistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wolf%20whistle. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

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