Dictionary.com

tocsin

[ tok-sin ]
/ ˈtɒk sɪn /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for tocsin on Thesaurus.com
noun
a signal, especially of alarm, sounded on a bell or bells.
a bell used to sound an alarm.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tocsin

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Provençal tocasenh, literally, “(it) strikes (the) bell,” equivalent to toca, 3rd singular present of tocar “to strike, touch ” + senh “bell, sign”

Words nearby tocsin

tocometer, tocopherol, Tocopilla, Tocqueville, Tocqueville, Alexis de, tocsin, tod, to date, today, Todd, toddle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to tocsin

alert, bell, horn, sign, signal, siren, warning

How to use tocsin in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tocsin

tocsin
/ (ˈtɒksɪn) /
noun
an alarm or warning signal, esp one sounded on a bell
an alarm bell

Word Origin for tocsin

C16: from French, from Old French toquassen, from Old Provençal tocasenh, from tocar to touch + senh bell, from Latin signum
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
FEEDBACK