call-and-response

noun

call-and-re·​sponse ˌkȯl-ən(d)-ri-ˈspän(t)s How to pronounce call-and-response (audio)
: 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
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.
There was bouncing, drumming, singing, even a call-and-response chant with another group of Swedish fans sitting in another part of the stadium in the second half. Cerys Jones, New York Times, 26 July 2025 After, another speaker led the crowd in a call-and-response song that called Trump a rapist and ended with an image of the president being handcuffed. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 July 2025 Locals cheered and swayed, heartily piping out call-and-response prompts a la Queen. Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Being able to love on our legends in real time in such a call-and-response way is something that will never get old. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for call-and-response

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of call-and-response was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Call-and-response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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