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siren

siren

170 2.9
A machine that makes a loud wailing sound to warn people
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪrən/
: sirena
  • The police car's siren blared as it raced to the scene of the accident.
  • lights and sirens
  • hear sirens
  • flashing lights and sirens

But as soon as that siren goes off, we respond.

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Examples

  • "From the street, a siren wailed, the strident sound sweeping through the room.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The wind's wild in their hair, the siren deafening, the flashing red lights blinding.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • And then a police car came by with its siren running down below.

    Academic text (2000)
  • But as soon as that siren goes off, we respond.

  • Brooklyn streets - evening cut to the sound of a siren as an ambulance races through the streets.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Patrolman Collins cut in the siren for a couple of blocks.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • So we just crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine this morning as the air raid sirens were on around the whole country.

  • The only sound: sirens, hundreds of sirens from fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The red light snaps on, the siren growls and blares, and they're off down the street.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The loud siren alerted the entire neighborhood to the approaching storm.

Synonyms

alarm
vssiren
721 1.0

A device that makes a loud sound to warn or wake people

makes a distinctive loud wail sound specifically to signal danger
alert
vssiren
324 2.8

A warning that something dangerous or important may happen

is an actual device that makes a loud wailing sound to warn
horn
vssiren
221 1.0

A device that makes a loud sound to warn or signal people

tends to be a long wailing sound rather than a single blast
bell
vssiren
97 1.0

A device that makes a sound to get someone's attention

specifically makes a continuous wailing sound intended to warn people
buzzer
vssiren
66 1.0

A small machine that makes a low, repeating sound to tell people something

uses a loud wailing sound rather than a rapid buzzing tone
fire alarm
vssiren
40 1.0

A loud signal that warns people there is a fire or smoke

is more generally a loud wailing alert for various dangers not only fire
alarm bell
vssiren
18 2.2

A bell that rings to warn people of danger or an emergency

uses a long wailing tone rather than a simple bell ring
burglar alarm
vssiren
12 3.0

A device that makes a loud noise when someone breaks into a house or shop

uses a long wail meant to warn people of many danger types
car horn
vssiren
9 1.1

A loud sound a driver makes to warn others or get attention

typically signals danger with a long wailing tone rather than a short beep
warning signal
vssiren
7 3.2

A loud sound or flashing light that tells people there is danger

is specifically a loud wailing sound used to warn people
fire bell
vssiren
3 2.0

A bell that rings to warn people about a fire

produces a wailing noise intended as a broader danger warning
klaxon
vssiren
  • Archaic
2 8.5

A loud electric horn used as a warning, often on vehicles

has a longer wailing sound profile unlike a short horn blast
warning device
vssiren
2 3.7

A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger

focuses on making a long wailing sound rather than any alert form
warning bell
vssiren
2 2.7

A bell that rings to warn people of danger

signals with a continuous wailing noise rather than discrete bell rings
hailer
vssiren
1 6.1

A person or device that calls out loudly to get attention from far away

operates by producing a long wailing sound rather than spoken calls
automobile horn
vssiren
1 2.1

A device on a car that makes a loud sound to warn people

uses a sustained wail intended as a general danger alarm rather than car warning
Hooters
vssiren
1 7.8

Loud horns or sirens that warn people by hooting

is characterized by a continuous wailing tone rather than short hoots
alerter
vssiren
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A person or machine that warns people about danger and problems

refers specifically to a device producing a loud wailing alert sound
tocsin
vssiren
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A bell or loud sound that warns people of danger

uses a sustained wailing sound rather than a traditional bell tone
motor horn
vssiren
2.7

A part on a vehicle that makes a loud sound to warn people

typically makes a prolonged wailing noise, not just a vehicle horn burst
thunderer
vssiren
9.3

A device that makes a loud sound like thunder

is instead a distinct high-pitched wailing sound used to warn people

Antonyms

373 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

Compounds

6 8.3

A tempting offer that seems good but leads to trouble

4 7.8

A tempting offer that may harm or trick you

How Loud

air horn
4 3.0
siren
170 2.9
alarm
721 1.0
whistle
27 1.0
bell
97 1.0
beeper
  • Archaic
60 6.7

Surface Forms

siren singular
sirens plural

Etymology

The word siren comes from the Greek sea creatures whose loud, tempting 'song' drew sailors, and a warning device is called a 'siren' because it 'calls' people's attention with a strong, wailing sound.