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fire alarm

See more synonyms for fire alarm on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a signal that warns that a fire has started.
  2. a bell, buzzer, siren, horn, etc., that provides such a signal.
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Origin of fire alarm

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for fire alarm

Historical Examples

  • In his agitation he gave such a tug at the bell that it clanged like a fire-alarm.

    Despair's Last Journey

    David Christie Murray

  • Here, at the first news of fire in the city, is sounded the fire-alarm.

    Autumn Impressions of the Gironde

    Isabel Giberne Sieveking

  • Finally he rushed to his big gong and made it clatter like a fire-alarm.

  • What's all this fire-alarm that's been sprung about a new elevator trust?

    The Wreckers

    Francis Lynde

  • I guess she'll hear of the fire-alarm, and hurry home: it'll be jest like her.

British Dictionary definitions for fire alarm

fire alarm

noun
  1. a device to give warning of fire, esp a bell, siren, or hooter
  2. a shout to warn that a fire has broken out
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012