burglar alarm

American  

noun

1. an automatic device for giving an alarm when a window, door, safe, etc., is opened or tampered with, as by a burglar.

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Etymology

Origin of burglar alarm

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

burglar alarm

His mother “worked as a receptionist at a burglar alarm company—one of the few growth industries in the neighborhood” during the early 1960s.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

He rigged a burglar alarm with foam so it made a loud clattering sound.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 9, 2026

The first possible sign of Cavalcante that alerted searchers shortly after midnight Tuesday was a burglar alarm.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 13, 2023

In police body-worn camera audio, Mrs Cavendish can also be heard telling an officer she forgot to put a burglar alarm on before going to bed.

From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2023

And there was a burglar alarm prominently fixed to the front of the house, and a large spotlight at each corner; they’d never be able to get near it, let alone break in.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman