fog signal

American  

noun

1. any of various types of signal used as a warning by vessels navigating in fog or mist.

---

fog signal British  

noun

1. a signal used to warn railway engine drivers in fog, consisting of a detonator placed on the line

---

Etymology

Origin of fog signal

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

If you’re a boat person who savors the faint scent of diesel, however, you’ll want to book Walter’s Room, a small bedroom and sitting room in the fog signal building.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

The next morning, I went to the visitor station, in the recently refurbished fog signal building, to see the lighthouse’s original, first-order — as the biggest versions are called — Fresnel lens on display.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2023

The original smokestack, present from 1907 until 1949, served as the exhaust for coal-fired boilers that powered a steam fog signal.

From Washington Times • Apr. 11, 2016

So I’m sounding the fog signal, and I could hear him, and he’s coming closer.

From Washington Post • Jun. 29, 2015

From the lighthouse station far to the east he could hear the low, steady intonation of the fog signal diaphone.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson