fire alarm

noun

1. a signal that warns that a fire has started.

2. a bell, buzzer, siren, horn, etc., that provides such a signal.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire alarm¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

And throughout the complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, fire-department officials and residents said that fire alarms weren’t properly functioning.

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Several residents have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out.

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Several residents have revealed in interviews that the fire alarm did not sound when the fire broke out.

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Anger has been building on social media, especially after several residents revealed in interviews that they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out.

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Maybe it’s time to revive the old, possibly apocryphal Red Auerbach legends about fire alarms and turning off the air conditioning.

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