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• early-warning system
  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.
• early warning system
  early warning system

  noun

  a 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

1. Military. a network of radar installations designed to detect enemy aircraft or missiles in time for the effective deployment of defense systems.

2. any series of steps established to spot potential problems.

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early warning system British  

noun

1. a network of radar and communications units intended to detect at the earliest possible moment an attack by enemy aircraft or missiles

2. anything that gives advance notice of something

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Etymology

Origin of early-warning system

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

early-warning system early warning system

Part of a workers’ camp was swept away and an early-warning system failed, prompting officials to fix it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

Rinz’s research points to an early-warning system that may flag trouble ahead.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

The USGS’ West Coast earthquake early-warning system has long relied on hundreds of seismic sensors embedded in the ground.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 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

Ghohg had installed his own magical early-warning system: long, monstrous nerves that snaked through the hills and would jolt when a distant guard stomped on the other end.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

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

This year's training has just started for the latest monitoring volunteers in a bid to expand the early warning system even further.

From BBC ● May 26, 2026

Researchers also believe measurements taken along the western edge of the Atlantic could act as an early warning system for long-term climate changes.

From Science Daily ● May 10, 2026

The early warning system worked perfectly in Fukushima prefecture.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland