warning light
- noun
- /ˈwɔrnɪŋ laɪt/
- The warning light turned on to alert me that the engine was overheating.
- a red warning light
- the warning light flashes
- the warning light blinks
Now back inside, there are a lot of weird switches and warning lights and labels all over this vehicle.
- Now back inside, there are a lot of weird switches and warning lights and labels all over this vehicle.
- Almost like a car has like warning lights.
Examples
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Rosekind said it was clear that the warning lights and signals were working properly before the crash.
Blog text (17) -
I'm getting warning lights all over the dashboard.
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Sir, we have a warning light.
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We have a warning light.
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I have a fire warning light.
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Warning lights continue to flash.
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Every single red warning light is flashing.
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Nate, how long has the warning light been on?
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We've got a warning light.
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The warning light had just begun to flash above the current time: two hours to sunset.
Fiction book (1990)
Synonyms
A device like a lamp or bulb that produces light
A small object that makes a very bright light to show your location
Something that shows there may be danger or a problem
A light that flashes to warn people, for example on ambulances or at crossings
A traffic signal that warns drivers to slow down and prepare to stop
A loud sound or flashing light that tells people there is danger
A warning that something is wrong and you should stop or be careful
A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger
A small light that flashes to show a device is on or has a problem
A sign that something dangerous may happen
A yellow traffic signal that tells drivers to stop or go with caution
A bell that rings to warn people of danger
A small lamp on a car dashboard that warns of a serious engine problem
How Bright
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'warning' (an alert about danger) modifying 'light' (a signaling device), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a light that signals danger or malfunction. This noun+noun composition is a common, cross-linguistically familiar pattern seen in many languages and in technical contexts, making it immediately comprehensible to B1 learners.
Etymology
Warning light The term warning light comes from the small light on a car or machine that turns on to give a warning. When that bulb lights up it tells you there is 'danger' or a problem, so today it means a light that signals trouble and tells you to check or 'stop'.