klaxon

American  

[klak-suhn] / ˈklæk sən /

Or claxon

noun

1. a loud electric horn, formerly used on automobiles, trucks, etc., and now often used as a warning signal.

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klaxon British  

/ ˈklæksən /

noun

1. a type of loud horn formerly used on motor vehicles

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Etymology

Origin of klaxon

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; formerly trademark

Example Sentences

Speaking about the protests, Kyle said on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg moments like these were "klaxon calls" for those in power to redouble their efforts to address the big concerns people have, including on immigration.

From BBC

Speaking about Saturday's protests, Kyle said moments like these were "klaxon calls" for those in power to redouble their efforts to address the big concerns people have, including on immigration.

From BBC

Johnson, who is testifying under oath, admitted Wednesday that he made mistakes in grasping the extent of the pandemic and that his advisers failed to sound a “loud enough klaxon of alarm” about the virus.

From Seattle Times

FA Cup: Sound the :”magic” klaxon - we have our first upset of the weekend as Burnley go out to Huddersfield Town.

From The Guardian

Bright blue explosions of energy suddenly fill the screen, a klaxon starts to wail and warning signs flash before your bronzed visor.

From BBC