early-warning system
noun
a network of radar installations designed to detect enemy aircraft or missiles in time for the effective deployment of defense systems.
Jump To:
-
early-warning system
-
early warning system
early warning systemnouna network of radar and communications units intended to detect at the earliest possible moment an attack by enemy aircraft or missiles
early-warning system
American
[ur-lee wawr-ning]
/ ˈɜr li ˈwɔr nɪŋ /
noun
-
Military. a network of radar installations designed to detect enemy aircraft or missiles in time for the effective deployment of defense systems.
-
any series of steps established to spot potential problems.
early warning system
British
noun
-
a network of radar and communications units intended to detect at the earliest possible moment an attack by enemy aircraft or missiles
-
anything that gives advance notice of something
Etymology
Origin of early-warning system
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Rinz’s research points to an early-warning system that may flag trouble ahead.
From Barron's ● May 22, 2026
The families will call for an early-warning system that would allow parents and whistleblowers to report concerns in early-years settings to an independent external body.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026
Within seconds of Tuesday night’s quake, the earthquake early-warning system calculated it as a magnitude 6.0, and moments later downgraded it to magnitude 5.7.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2024
Additionally, the model can also predict other soil conditions in real-time and function as an early-warning system to identify potential hazards.
From Science Daily ● May 30, 2024
You crackled when you neared his desk—his early-warning system.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
The 61-year-old, a previous president of the UN General Assembly, has suggested creating an "early warning" system to detect and flag signs of impending conflict.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
Researchers have figured out how to develop hurricane warnings, tsunami warnings, even an earthquake early warning system.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
Duan believes these hairs may have evolved as an early warning system that alerts mammals when insects or parasites come into contact with sensitive areas of the body.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
Archana Shrestha, the DHM's acting director general, acknowledged funds had been redirected to upgrade the early warning system for another glacial lake.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026
Some were also confused by a glitch in the earthquake early warning system.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
