heckle
Heckle (verb) means to interrupt a speaker or performer with mocking comments or aggressive questions. Example: “The comedian handled the drunk guy heckling him from the front row with ease.”
How to use heckle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShouting rude comments or tough questions at someone speaking in public to throw them off or embarrass them.
Not the same as simply "booing" — heckling usually involves actual words or questions, not just noise.
Word forms
heckled past tense, heckles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Protesters _____ the politician throughout his speech.
Etymology
Originally meant "to comb out flax with a heckle," a toothed tool for separating fibers. The word later shifted to mean tearing into a speaker's arguments the same way you'd comb through flax.
Related words
Rhymes for heckle
See all rhymes for heckle →Frequently asked questions
What does “heckle” mean?
The word “heckle” means to interrupt a speaker or performer with mocking comments or aggressive questions. In plain terms, shouting rude comments or tough questions at someone speaking in public to throw them off or embarrass them.
How do you pronounce “heckle”?
“Heckle” is pronounced HEH-kuhl (/ˈhɛkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “heckle” in a sentence?
Here is “heckle” used in a sentence: “Protesters heckled the politician throughout his speech.”
What is another word for “heckle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “heckle” include badger, gird, barrack, jeer, roast and taunt.
What is the opposite of “heckle”?
The opposite of “heckle” — its antonyms — are cheer and incite.
What part of speech is “heckle”?
“Heckle” is a verb.