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

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.

Absent, too, was the usual call-and-response about what the student was seeking out of their interpretation. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Nov. 2024 Only the best guitarists can make their guitar talk, and White was having entire call-and-response conversations with his instrument on stage. —

Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Nov. 2024 Austria’s players collapsed to the ground in despair as their opponents gathered around the perimeter of the centre circle and led the Turkish end in a raucous series of call-and-response chants. —

James Horncastle, The Athletic, 2 July 2024 The Sweet Inspirations push the song’s gospel inflections to the forefront, engaging in a call-and-response with Franklin that makes the record soar. —

Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Call-and-response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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