fire alarm
Americannoun
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a signal that warns that a fire has started.
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a bell, buzzer, siren, horn, etc., that provides such a signal.
noun
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a device to give warning of fire, esp a bell, siren, or hooter
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a shout to warn that a fire has broken out
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of fire alarm
An Americanism dating back to 1840–50
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.
While stressing that officials needed to make a comprehensive assessment, he said he saw "no emergency exit signage, emergency lighting systems or fire alarm devices".
From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026
The intervention, echoed by White House officials, was the equivalent of a fire alarm across Europe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
“You want to get somebody’s attention really quick? Make the fire alarm go off in your spacecraft when you’re still about 80,000 miles from home,” Wiseman said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
On top of the ongoing fire alarm issues, Newman said residents have lost a on-site maintenance person, and she has noticed stains appearing on the carpets and marks on the lift.
From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026
Yes, Breanna’s warning about falling for straight girls is now ringing in your head like a fire alarm, and yes, you’re wishing you listened.
From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone
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.
