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Synonyms

smoke detector

American  

noun

  1. an electronic fire alarm that is activated by the presence of smoke.


Etymology

Origin of smoke detector

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

Lowe said he grabbed a dishrag and tried to wave the smoke away from the smoke detector — only to have Moose start nipping at the rag and at his finger “aggressively.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

Cooking a burger in the oven feels odd, and pan-searing on high heat risks setting off the smoke detector.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025

He said the smoke detector may not have sounded because the door of the bedroom was closed.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

The battery-operated smoke detector you acquired from the fire department years ago can be replaced with monitored smoke and heat detectors that will protect your family as soon as a fire begins.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

In the first she flew up to the ceiling and began puffing at the smoke detector mounted above his door.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville