klaxon

or clax·on

[ klak-suhn ]

noun

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

klaxon

/ ˈklæksən /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of klaxon¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; formerly trademark

Word History and Origins

Origin of klaxon¹

C20: former trademark, from the name of the manufacturing company

Example Sentences

We'd both run from that spot in the Tenderloin as the klaxon sounded behind us, and we'd both been picked up by the cops.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Swainson answered on his Klaxon, and then the liner began to move slowly over the glittering water.

From Project Gutenberg

Also we used the mellow horn, for our book said that horns of the Klaxon type are not allowed in Switzerland.

From Project Gutenberg

It consisted of an electrified fence that would set off a loud klaxon horn if touched.

From Project Gutenberg

The plane's klaxon horn wailed through the night with a noise audible for miles.

From Project Gutenberg