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

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for call-and-response

• bons
• hans
• launce
• nonce
• sconce
• esperance
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• renaissance
• naissance
• response